Grateful Memories, is a unique kind of a book: lovingly dedicated to Fr. Aurelius Maschio SDB and Fr. Joseph Casti SDB – missionaries of remarkable zeal, pioneers of vision, and shepherds filled with deep pastoral charity.  The distinctiveness of this book emerges obviously to any reader because it contains the life of 48 foreign Missionaries who worked in the Mumbai Province.

Fr. Gregory D’Almeida SDB, the Provincial Economer, who fondly prepared this volume, narrating what motivated him to compile it writes: “The inspiration to write this book came to me while reading the obituary of a confrere – sometimes in a circular, sometimes during a homily at a funeral Mass. I often felt a pang of regret that I had not known more about him while he was still among us.”

This amazing book, a true treasure of life experiences is indeed a Collection of Obituaries of 48 Foreign Missionaries who laboured in the Bombay Province. Its pages are filled with untiring dedication and humble service to the poor and needy. Fr. Ashley Miranda SDB, Provincial, in his foreword pens: “This book, a labour of love, brings together the life sketches of 48 Salesian missionaries who have served in the Salesian Province of Mumbai. Through its page, we encounter men of faith, vision, and tireless dedication – missionaries who laid the foundation of our province and shaped its mission with extraordinary zeal.”

It is noteworthy to mention that this book is published right when the Salesian Congregation celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first Salesian missionary expedition. Certainly this book is a fitting tribute and a heart-warming invitation to gaze on this missionaries who gave their everything for the cause of the Kingdom and for the needy youngsters. Today, it is our task to make a bit of their missionary ardour to rub on to us in order to live our missionary calling with greater passion and commitment. 

Grateful Memories will make a path-breaking journey through the course of time in the Salesian Province of Bombay, in the vast Salesian family, in the Church and in the World offering inspiration also to generations to come.  This book will be of great use for Faculties of Missiology, for those engaged in teaching Missiology and related topics, for those in formation, for research scholars and students. Everyone will find in this book, sure strategies that have worked and will continue to be relevant even today. For copies of the book, please contact Fr Gregory at +91 77150 94925