The joint meeting of the Provincial Councils of the Mumbai (Bombay) and Panjim-Konkan Provinces was held at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Odxel, Goa, on February 10, 2026. The meeting commenced at 9:00 a.m. with a formal welcome extended by Provincial of the Panjim Province, Father Clive Telles, to Provincial of the Mumbai Province, Father Ashley Miranda, and the councillors. The day-long meeting provided an opportunity for the two provinces to share best practices in animation and governance implemented in their respective regions. The councils also presented new initiatives undertaken in the mission, highlighting creative pastoral approaches in youth ministry.



A significant portion of the discussions was devoted to addressing pressing challenges faced by both provinces. Among the key concerns raised were the decline in the number of vocations, the mental and emotional well-being of confreres, and the growing fragility in religious life. The councils spent time to explore practical and collaborative responses to these issues. The meeting further emphasized cooperation in areas of common interest. Both provinces expressed their commitment to greater collaboration in youth ministry, joint formation programmes, the formation of lay persons for the Salesian mission, and in the field of education. The spirit of unity and shared responsibility marked the deliberations throughout the day.



In the evening, the members of the two councils visited the Basilica of Bom Jesus at Old Goa, which houses the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier, the patron of the Mumbai Province, and celebrated the holy Eucharist in the Basilica. During the homily, Father Telles reflected on the missionary zeal of the great saint, encouraging the confreres to renew their apostolic fervour in today’s context. The day concluded with a fraternal meal, fostering deeper bonds of communion and brotherhood.



During their stay in Goa, Father Miranda and his council also visited the pre-novitiate community at Don Bosco Loutolim, where they interacted with the formators and pre-novices from both provinces. The visit provided an occasion for encouragement and interaction with those in initial formation. The Mumbai delegation concluded their visit with a stop at Don Bosco Fatorda, marking the end of a fruitful and collaborative gathering.