MINISTRIES

KATIHAR – Salesian Deacons Bernard Mardi and Suleman Tudu were ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in a solemn ceremony presided over by Most Rev. Francis Tirkey, Bishop of the Purnea Diocese. The ordination, held at Don Bosco School, Katihar, marks a significant addition to the clergy of the Salesian Province of Kolkata and the Diocese of Purnea, drawing a large congregation of faithful, clergy, and family members to witness the commitment of the two new priests to the service of God and the Church.

During the central ordination rite, Bishop Tirkey invoked the Holy Spirit and laid hands upon the candidates, a defining tradition of the sacrament. In his homily, the prelate emphasized the dual role of the priest as both a shepherd and a servant, urging the ordinands to pursue lives of holiness and dedication. The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr. Joseph Pauria, Salesian Provincial of the Kolkata Province, and Fr. George Kerketta, Vicar General of the Purnea Diocese, alongside numerous priests from across the region.

The newly ordained priests have completed over a decade of formation. Fr. Bernard Mardi hails from Kaliganj in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal and is the son of the late Cornelius and Monica Mardi. Fr. Suleman Tudu is a native of Pathargama in the Godda district of Jharkhand, born to the late Turu and Elizabeth Hansda. Their ordination was highlighted not only as a personal milestone but as a testament to the enduring faith and prayers of their families and local communities.

Following the liturgical services, the solemnity gave way to a vibrant felicitation program organized by the Don Bosco School community and local parish groups. The event featured traditional songs and dances performed by the youth of St. Michael’s and St. Mary’s hostels. In their vote of thanks, Fr. Mardi and Fr. Tudu expressed deep gratitude to their formators and specifically acknowledged Fr. Denis Murmu, Rector and Principal of Don Bosco Katihar, for his role in organizing the event.

The celebration concluded with a fellowship meal, symbolizing the unity of the gathering. As the crowds dispersed, the event left a prevailing sense of hope and spiritual renewal, with the local Catholic community welcoming two energetic new laborers to the mission of serving the youth and the marginalized in Eastern India.

Kolkata, December 20, 2025: Celebrating 150 years since the first Salesian missionary expedition, the Salesian Family gathered at Don Bosco Parish, Liluah, on Saturday for Salesian Mission Day 2025, marking a moment of gratitude, renewal, and commitment to the congregation’s enduring mission of education, youth empowerment, and pastoral outreach.

Presided over by Father Joseph Pauria SDB, Provincial of Kolkata, the event opened with a Solemn Holy Eucharist marked by a vibrant liturgical dance by youth from Bandel Parish. In his homily, Father Pauria reflected on Don Bosco’s original missionary vision, calling on participants to “relaunch their missionary zeal through love and service.”

Following the Eucharist, the celebration transitioned into a rich cultural and institutional programme under the theme “Give Thanks, ReThink, Relaunch.” This threefold call framed the day’s events as both a remembrance of legacy and a blueprint for future mission in a changing social landscape.

Performances by Kalyani Youth, Senhet Youth, and Monsada Youth showcased a blend of regional and indigenous expressions, while Don Bosco Ashalayam presented a poignant dance drama on grassroots engagement with vulnerable communities.

Infotainment segments highlighted key missionary milestones through presentations by FMA, MSMHC, and SDB institutions. A historical reflection by Father Antony Kodiyan SDB traced the congregation’s evolution from its founding to its presence today in 137 countries with nearly 15,000 active members.

Sister Dorothy SMI spotlighted the collaborative outreach of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, while messages from Sister Leelamma Palliparambil FMA and Father Pauria stressed the importance of continuity, pastoral innovation, and youth accompaniment.

A felicitation ceremony honoured catechists and past pupils for their sustained contributions to the Salesian mission, underscoring the vital role of lay collaborators in community engagement.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Father Rosan Kullu SDB, encapsulating the spirit of unity and forward vision that defined the gathering.

With vibrant participation from seminarians, youth groups, and mission partners, Salesian Mission Day 2025 reaffirmed the congregation's evolving role as both custodian of faith heritage and catalyst for social transformation in Eastern India.

SONADA, December 13, 2025 — The hills of Sonada resonated with hymns and cultural vibrancy this Saturday as the Salesian Province of Kolkata’s North-Bengal Zone celebrated Salesian Mission Day at Salesian College Sonada. The event, centered around the powerful theme "Give Thanks, Rethink, Relaunch," marked the 150th anniversary of the first Salesian Missionary Expedition and 100th Anniversary of the First Salesian Presence in Calcutta, bringing together clergy, youth, and lay collaborators for a day of reflection and festivity.

The celebration commenced at 10:00 AM with a solemn Holy Mass, presided over by the Main Celebrant, Bishop Paul Simick, DD, Bishop of Bagdogra. The liturgy began with a lively entrance Dance by Salesian College Siliguri Students and a warm welcome by Fr. Johny Nedungatt, Rector of Salesian College Sonada, setting a tone of gratitude for the mission's legacy. The spiritual atmosphere was further enriched by the harmonious choir of SCS Brothers, alongside a symbolic prayer of the faithful led by the brothers of the college.

Following the Mass, the gathering transitioned into a spirited cultural program at 12:30 PM, emceed by the SCS Brothers. Fr. Tomy Augustine, Provincial Councilor for the Commission for Missionary Animation welcomed the gathering and highlighted the rich Missionary contribution the hosting institute, Salesian College Sonada, provided for past 87 years for the region and the world. The cultural event featured Nepali cultural dances by the Malbasey Youth, Salesian College Sonada Students and Don Bosco Kalimpong.

A key moment of the event was the address by Fr. Johny Nedungatt, who spoke on the "Salesian Mission in North Bengal," tracing the impact and future direction of their work in the region. This was complemented by a video presentation curated by Nitika Don Bosco Media, visualizing the mission's journey. The program also included the felicitation of all the  local catechists, honoring their dedication to the mission. 

The festivities concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by the Zonal Leader, Fr. Pius Kerketta, acknowledging the efforts of all organizers and participants. The community then gathered for a fellowship meal at 2:00 PM, reinforcing the bonds of the Salesian family before the departure.

Organized by the Commission for Missionary Animation, this year’s celebration not only honored the past 150 years but also served as a clarion call to "Rethink and Relaunch" the Salesian mission for the challenges of the future.

Hooghly, 4 October, 2025 - The Salesian (Don Bosco) Kolkata Province marked a significant spiritual milestone on October 4 with the Province Level Jubilee of Confreres celebrated at the revered Bandel Basilica. The solemn event honored jubilarians observing 60, 50, and 25 years of religious profession, as well as 25 years of priestly ordination. The celebration was distinguished by the presence of a leading figure in the Salesian world, Reverend Father Pascual Chavez, Rector Major Emeritus and Ninth Successor of Don Bosco, who presided over the Holy Eucharist, hailing the day as a celebration of love, faith, and fidelity.

In his powerful homily, Fr. Chavez framed the day not just as a time for thanks, but as a spiritual challenge, urging the confreres to reflect on their vocational journey by asking the Gospel question: "What do I still lack?" He stressed that true perfection is found in a commitment to total and absolute self-surrender to the Lord, encouraging a life full of gratitude and renewed fidelity. The most profound moment of the Mass was the solemn renewal of the religious profession, where the jubilarians reaffirmed their vows, re-committing to the Salesian mission of uniting community life and service to the young.

Following the spiritual intensity of the Mass, the festivities continued with a vibrant felicitation ceremony held in the Pilgrim Hall. This gathering was an elaborate extravaganza, featuring a lively cultural programme that expressed communal gratitude and joy. The jubilarians were honored amidst prayer dances, dynamic choirs, expressive dances, and heartfelt speeches, showcasing the artistic talents and strong family spirit of the Kolkata Province.

The day of remembrance and rededication concluded with a joyous fellowship meal, allowing the jubilarians, confreres, and special guests to share a moment of fraternity and shared appreciation. The entire event served as a powerful affirmation of the confreres’ perseverance through challenges and their unwavering commitment to the Salesian charism, strengthening their resolve to continue Don Bosco's mission of building a joyful, spiritually fruitful community.

Ooodlabari, October 23, 2025 — Don Bosco Parish, Oodlabari, held its Annual Retreat from 21st to 23rd November at Pathibari tea garden, drawing over 3,000 faithful from its 14 sub-centres. Led by Fr. Lijo VC and his team, the retreat offered a deeply moving experience of prayer, healing, and renewal.
Each day, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., participants were immersed in a rich spiritual program that included preaching of the Word of God, praise and worship, Eucharistic adoration, inner healing services, and the sacrament of confession. The sessions were designed to awaken hearts and restore hope, creating an atmosphere of grace and transformation.
Fr. V. T. Antony, Parish Priest, coordinated the retreat with support from Fr. Sunit Kiro and other clergy. The MSMHC Sisters rendered generous assistance throughout the three days, ensuring smooth logistics and pastoral care.
Rector Fr Aju Kurian, reflecting on the retreat’s impact, shared: “This gathering was not just an event—it was a movement of the Spirit. We witnessed lives touched, burdens lifted, and faith rekindled. Pathibari became a sanctuary of grace.”
He added, "Special appreciation goes to the faithful of the Pathibari sub-centre for their wholehearted cooperation and service, which made the retreat a well-organized and truly enriching spiritual experience." 
-Fr. CM Paul, SDB

OODLABARI,  October 26, 2025 – A vibrant new church dedicated to St. Michael was inaugurated today in the remote tea-belt village of Leesh River No. 18, marking a historic milestone for a Catholic community that began with just three members in 2001 and now comprises 20 families.

Fr. (Dr.) Aju Kurian, Rector and Principal of Don Bosco Oodlabari, blessed and inaugurated the sanctuary before nearly 600 faithful from all 14 sub-centres of Don Bosco Parish. “This church is a testimony of faith, perseverance, and unity,” Fr. Aju declared. “May St. Michael guard and guide this growing flock.”

The day’s Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr. Sunit Kiro, doubled as a dual Silver Jubilee: his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination and Fr. Aju’s 25th year of religious profession. In a symbolic act, Parish Priest Fr. Antony Vayalil handed the church key to the local catechist, entrusting stewardship to the community.

The event transformed the forest-fringed village into a festival of faith, with a cultural program featuring youth performances, traditional songs, dances, and a communal meal that fostered fellowship among parishioners, catechists, and guests.

The project—from foundation to dedication—was led by Fr. Antony Vayalil, Fr. John Selvan (Bursar), and a devoted team of catechists whose years of pastoral care laid the spiritual and structural groundwork.

From three souls to a thriving parish, the St. Michael Church stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and communal devotion in North Bengal’s tea heartland.
- Fr. CM Paul, SDB