The day began with a warm welcome from Daphne, secretary of the Bandra unit, followed by greetings from Fr. Diego Nunes, the Salesian Family delegate. He introduced the speaker, Fr. Joaquim Fernandes SDB, Vice Principal of Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Naigaon East.

Fr. Fernandes delivered a thought-provoking talk on the life of St Peter, exploring his transformation from fisherman to Apostle and martyr. He highlighted Peter’s struggles and triumphs, linking the biblical references to Peter as “the Rock” with his role as leader of the early Church. Drawing on the historical context of Jesus’s transfiguration and the symbolism of the keys of heaven, Fr. Fernandes offered participants a deeper understanding of faith and leadership.

The recollection also included Bible puzzles and group discussions, which engaged participants in lively interaction. Many were surprised to learn that Peter’s name appears 191 times in the Bible.

After lunch, the Cooperators undertook a walking pilgrimage to Mount Mary’s Basilica. Praying the rosary aloud as they walked through the streets of Bandra, they bore public witness to their faith in a visible way.

Participants described the experience as enriching both spiritually and communally. “I enjoyed the group activity where the team spirit was evident,” shared Joaquim Dmello from Kurla. Shonan Padte, a young Aspirant from Wadala, added, “Some of us youngsters used our digital devices to navigate facts and scriptures, which made me realize that even our gadgets can be used to learn and evangelize the Word of God.”