Just over 30 Cooperators from Chertsey and Battersea including Annabel Clarkson and Gaia Selva, gathered to celebrate this great Salesian feastday. Also Kate Wilkinson, the National President of Salesian Cooperators joined us.

The presentation was by Fr Mylin Noronha SDB currently staying with the Chertsey community while completing his studies. He will be returning to India after completing them.

Fr Mylin's 1^st presentation was based on the use of Media and he historically recalled Don Bosco's introduction of the printing press into Valdocco and teaching the skills to boys of the oratory, enabling them to pursue a career in the printing trade. This was adding to the other trades in tailoring, shoemaking and metalwork in the oratory.

The Salesian press not only communicated Don Bosco's work with the boys of Turin to raise funds in the further development of the congregation but also in the publication of many books and magazines. As the Salesians work spread through Italy and other countries by opening oratories, so did the growth of printing presses provide more apprenticeships for his boys and publications. The presentation was very interactive and all engaged with reflections and questions.

Lucy Vaughen-Neil then led a Marian devotion with 5 decades of the rosary with reflections, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

After lunch, Fr Mylin then continued his presentation, explaining his introduction and experience to the use of todays technology in Media and how it is used to the benefit of the continuation of Don Bosco's teaching and promotion of Salesians work worldwide. The devotion of Mary Help of Christians was spread by the many books published in many languages, many written by Don Bosco. Communication is a key medium of keeping both in touch and up to date with todays youth. Again this session was also very interactive with reflection and questions.

Mass was then celebrated in St Anne's Church, followed by tea, coffee and snacks,

Many thanks to Brian and the team of Chertsey Cooperators for organising this special celebration for the feast of Mary Help of Christians and Fr Mylin Noronha for his very enlightened presentation.

Text and Images from Bernard O'Neill