The Salesian Family members of the Panjim Province were privileged to welcome Rev. Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga SDB, Regional Councillor for South Asia on 24th September, 2017 at Don Bosco Panjim. It was also an important day for 14 Aspirant-Cooperators who took their “Promise” during a Solemn Mass at the Shrine. After the Eucharistic celebration, the Salesian Family gathered outside the Don Bosco Club House where Fr. Maria Arokiam planted a commemorative coconut sapling and interacted briefly with the Don Bosco Alumni. The participants then proceeded to the Bicentenary Hall for a short felicitation programme.
The Provincial Delegate for the Cooperators and the ADMA, Fr. Savio Gomes introduced the Regional Councillor after which Mr. Valentine D’souza, Provincial President of the ADMA delivered the welcome address. Mrs. Santana Da Costa, Provincial Coordinator of the Cooperators presented a basket of fruits, and Sr. Caroline D’souza FMA presented a memento to Fr. Maria Arokiam. This was followed by the felicitation of the 14 newly professed Cooperators. After cutting of the cake, certificates and mementos were presented to them.
Reports on the activities of the Cooperators, ADMA and Past Pupils were presented by Mrs. Alison Amaral, Mrs. Enid Varela and Mr. Luis Fernandes respectively. Fr. Maria Arokiam then 
gave a short message to the Family members inviting them to be “Positive-thinking People,” and exhorting them to crowd out the evil in society with the good and love of God.
Scrumptious snacks were catered to by Mrs. Judy Cardozo and her team. The programme, which was efficiently coordinated by Mrs. Alison Amaral and well compered by Ms. Joanne D’souza, concluded with a vote of thanks by Mrs. Enid Varela.
Shirley Fernandes, Cooperator (Caranzalem Unit-Goa)