Some important meetings for the Delegates for the Salesian Family (SF) in South Asia were held in September, first in Delhi and then in Hyderabad. They were led by the Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family, Fr Eusebio Muñoz, the World Delegate for the Salesian Cooperators, Fr Giuseppe Casti, and the Central Assistant for the Volunteers of Don Bosco and Volunteers with Don Bosco (VDB and CDB), Fr Joan Lluis Playa.

The meetings became a cooperative learning process. The World Delegates were enriched by knowledge of the situation of the Salesian Family in India and its mode of action. They in turn presented a thorough exposition of the National Identity Card of the Salesian Family, spoke of the role of the Delegate for the Salesian Family and the Delegates for the various groups, and in particular of the Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils, VDB and CDB, and the Association of Mary Help of Christians, clarifying any doubts raised by the participants.

These activities paved the way for the development of a concrete plan of action to create, revitalize and rejuvenate the Salesian Family and for it to grow as one family with one mission.

Among the many proposals were the following:

At provincial level it is important that the Delegate encourages all the Salesians, and in particular the younger confreres, to give pastoral care to the Salesian Family. It was suggested that annual meetings of the Salesian Family be held in the formation houses.

At regional level, as well as general attention to formation of Delegates and communication, it is also important to network, especially in some specific areas such as work for young Christian migrants; the promotion of a culture of respect for Creation; unity as a Salesian Family when it comes to advocacy and lobbying.

Some suggestions also affected the Secretariat for the Salesian Family of which Fr Muñoz, Fr Casti and Fr Playa are members. The Secretariat was invited to hold annual regional meetings; to create a single web site and a database of members, and the works and activities of the Salesian Family; and to foster the spirit of unity in the World Council of the Salesian Family.