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Fransalian International

"Be what you are, Be at its best!"      - St. Francis de Sales

Editorial  SFS  Fr. Mermier  General Curia  SFS Publications      News from the Provinces Brazil   East Africa England Franco-Swiss North-east India Nagpur  Pune   South-west India Visakhapatnam     Hearty Congratulations Fr. D. Kuzhupil  Fr. E. Mayoraz Fr. A. Fernandes Fr. A. Mookenthotam Fr. A. Mangatt  New Priests   Vol. 3  May 2001

Fransalian International

The Pune Province, in it's fifth year, is yet in the primary stages of its growth. Its extent includes parts of Maharashtra and of Belgaum District, and the states of Goa, Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Specialized Apostolate

• The Institute for the Physically Handicapped Children, Wagholi: catering to the needs of physically handicapped, the centre provides residential facilities for about 50 children, both boys and girls. They are sent to the neighbouring schools. For those students who are unable to attend regular school, the institution has organized non-formal classes. Physiotherapy at the centre is provided to reduce the handicap, and they are also introduced to learning of skills within their competence. Partially mentally-retarded children are also admitted.

• Ministry to Street Children: to serve the poor street children who live in destitution and indignity. The Mermier Bal Ashram has also started two other reach-out centres within a radius of 25 kms. Programmes of rehabilitation of children include finding the real parents of the children, admitting them to academic schools, providing skills, training in nearby workshops and guidance and counselling.

• Contribution to Fransalian Writings: the books of Fr. Francis Moget give us the memories of MSFS Congregation, and Fr. Armind Nazareth has contributed to the translation of SFS writings and of the documents of our Congregation.

• Non-formal Computer Service: a job-oriented institute, meant to provide employment in the village itself.

• Labour Organization: Networking with the Asian Trade Unions, one confrere is set aside to coordinate the efforts of the Trade Union programme in Central and North India. Regular meetings and travel to different areas to study, make projects, conduct surveys and organise leadership camps are the main focus of the labour organization.

• Pastoral and Missionary Assistance to other Countries: the Province is involved in the global mission of the Congregation.

Fr. Jerson D'Souza msfs