MINISTRIES

Kolkata, November 10 — Archbishop Elias Frank of Calcutta made a significant pastoral visit to the Salesian Provincial House at Nitika Don Bosco, Kolkata, on 10 November, affirming strong ties and collaboration between the Archdiocese and the Salesian Family. The visit, which included vespers and a fraternal meal, brought together Salesians and three members of the Archbishop’s curia.

Archbishop Frank, a one-time Salesian aspirant, held a private meeting with the Provincial, Rev. Fr. Joseph Pauria, establishing a tone of mutual respect and pastoral partnership.

Addressing the assembled Salesians, the Archbishop spoke of the heavy responsibilities of his ministry and expressed gratitude for the fraternity experienced among them. Recognizing the Salesians’ expertise in catechesis and youth formation, he specifically invited their assistance in developing pastoral content and modules for catechetical and liturgical renewal.

The Archbishop stressed the critical need to engage students in Classes 11 and 12 on vital topics like friendship, relationships, and marriage as a preventative measure. He also shared his vision to empower capable laity to lead youth ministry initiatives, allowing priests to focus more on prayer and sacramental life—a synodal vision promoting shared leadership.

The evening concluded with a fraternal dinner, reinforcing the shared mission of the diocesan and Salesian communities in revitalizing faith formation and service in Kolkata.
-Fr. Soroj Mullick, SDB

Siliguri, November 1, 2025 – Don Bosco Tech Society marked two decades of empowering India's marginalized youth by launching its revamped official website, www.dbtech.in, during a vibrant ceremony at Salesian College's Siliguri campus today, drawing over 200 virtual participants from across the nation.

The event, timed with the ongoing South Asia Regional Meeting of Youth Ministry Delegates, united in-person attendees—including Salesian representatives, students, and staff—with online staff members nationwide. Executive Director Fr. George Mathew hailed the platform as "more than a digital upgrade—it's a renewed invitation to partners, youth, and educators to build futures together," emphasizing its role in restoring dignity and unlocking opportunities through skilling.

Fr. Eugene Florence, Director of Don Bosco Skill Mission, joined virtually to spotlight the Society's sweeping impact: 478,636 youth skilled since inception, a 72% placement rate, 764 training centers across 29 states, and programs spanning 175 skill domains like electric vehicle technology, hospitality, AI data analysis, and cloud development.

The user-friendly site showcases real-time impact data, heartfelt success stories—such as 19-year-old Kripa Singh Kami's journey from Jalpaiguri trainee to Guest Service Associate at New Delhi's Taj Mahal Hotel—and a digital directory mapping over 300 institutions in 217 districts. It underscores Don Bosco Tech's mission to "connect talent with opportunity," bridging digital, social, and economic divides via formal, non-formal, and short-term training tailored for underprivileged youth.

As the largest NGO in livelihood training, Don Bosco Tech operates in 31 states and union territories, currently training 2,744 more young people. The launch builds momentum for the National Convention 2026 in Bangalore, themed "20 Years of Skilling with a Heart – Building Futures Together," where leaders will chart the next chapter of inclusive growth.
-CM Paul, SDB

Siliguri, November 4, 2025 – The Salesian Province of Kolkata today capped a triumphant five-day regional youth ministry summit at Salesian College Autonomous, Siliguri Campus, uniting over 50 delegates from 11 South Asian provinces behind a bold, unified push to reach the region’s most vulnerable young people.

Fr. Joseph Pauria SDB, Kolkata Provincial, welcomed Rome’s Fr. Rafael Bejarano—General Councillor for Youth Ministry—and the full South Asia delegation on October 31 amid the Province’s 1925–2025 centenary celebrations. “Hosting this historic gathering during our 100th year is a gift,” Pauria declared at the inaugural prayer led by Fr. John Christy (INM) and festive social evening.

Bejarano unveiled a six-year departmental blueprint: shared impact indicators, mandatory data reporting, harmonized policies, and proactive outreach. “Open spaces where youth approach us—with love and gratitude,” he urged Kolkata’s guests.

From November 1–4, Kolkata Province orchestrated sessions on General Chapter 29 priorities, socio-political advocacy, and mental health. Fr. Joebeth Vivo charted the Salesian Youth Synod path; Ms. Antonella Sinagoga equipped leaders with mental wellness tools; Fr. Michal Vojtas (UPS) delivered research methodologies.

The Province arranged cultural immersion visits to Oodlabari and Patibari parishes, where delegates engaged local youth and families.

Each province departed with a 2026 action plan.

Siliguri, 5 October - Ten students and one faculty member from Salesian College Siliguri (6) and Sonada (4) participated in the Northeast India Don Bosco Catholic Youth Leadership Program, held at Siloam Transformational Leadership Resource Centre, Shillong.
The week-long initiative, titled Galilee Trail 2025, ran from September 28 to October 4, bringing together some 90 youth from 16 Salesian higher education institutions. The program was spearheaded by Siloam Director and Salesian College Sonada alumnus Fr. Dr. George Palamattam.
Distinguished resource persons included Bishop Jose Mukala, Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil, Bro. Albert Longley (Principal, Don Bosco Smit), Mr. Albert (Professor of Value Education, St. Anthony's College), and several Youth Team Leaders.
Daily sessions blended prayer, reflection, and thematic discussions on leadership, family, morality, and mission. Highlights included the Bible Valley Tour, a day spent with differently-abled children, Bible Quiz, Musical Drama, Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Night Adoration.
The journey culminated in the Call of Galilee Eucharist and Commissioning Rite, leaving participants enriched in faith, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.

Liluah, October 2, 2025 – St. Ignatius Church from Khidderpore emerged victorious in the boys' football final, while Santragachi Team A dominated the girls' throwball, capping off the second edition of the Attilio Memorial Cup 2.0 at Don Bosco School Liluah on September 27-28, 2025.

The two-day inter-parish sports mega event, organized by the youth of St. John Bosco Parish Liluah, featured 20 boys' football teams and 9 girls' throwball teams, drawing a total of 290 young participants from across the region. In the football showdown, St. Ignatius Khidderpore secured first place, with Bandel Basilica taking second. For throwball, Santragachi Team A claimed top honors, followed closely by Santragachi Team B.

The tournament honored the parish's first priest, Fr. Attilio, and aimed to inspire youth to "explore their potential, challenge themselves, and emerge as shining examples of perseverance in Christ," as stated by organizers. Held on the expansive grounds of Don Bosco School Liluah, the event blended athletic competition with spiritual encouragement, fostering camaraderie among participants.

Beyond the finals, the weekend included knockout matches and skill-building sessions that highlighted teamwork and resilience. Local clergy and community leaders attended, praising the initiative for promoting healthy lifestyles and faith-based unity among young parishioners.

St. John Bosco Parish Liluah, a vibrant Salesian outpost in Howrah, continues to nurture youth through such events, building on the legacy of Don Bosco's emphasis on joyful formation. Organizers hailed the turnout as a success, with plans already underway for future editions.

Purnea, 26 Oct 2025 - Purnia Diocese successfully held a two-day Diocesan Youth Leader's Animation Programme on October 26 and 27, 2025. Sixty-three youths—four from each parish—along with fathers and sisters from various parishes, participated in the training.

Fr. Alexander Topno SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Purnea, led the programme. The Salesian priest, who animated many young people across the region, guided the sessions with energy and insight. He was supported by diocesan youth director Fr. Prince Lakra and his core team. The initiative trained parish youth leaders to support and guide young people in their local communities.

The event prepared participants for the upcoming YOUTHS CONVENTION 2025, to be celebrated during the Jubilee Year of Our Lord.

On the second day, Bishop Francis Tirkey presided over the Holy Mass. He told the youths: "You have to have the knowledge of the Mass Media and to use it effectively for the betterment of the future of yourself and also for the society."

The programme ended with participants showing strong commitment to lead youth ministry at the parish level.
- Fr. Mohan Murmu, SDB