MINISTRIES

DHAKA, 28 November 2025 – In a moment of profound joy for the Catholic Church in Bangladesh, Rev. Sentu Lawrance Biswas SDB was ordained a priest on Friday at St. John Bosco Church, Moushair, Uttara, Dhaka. The ordination was conferred by Most Rev. James Romen Boiragi DD, Bishop of Khulna, for the Salesian Province of Kolkata (INB). With this sacred rite, Fr. Sentu becomes only the third Bangladeshi Salesian priest in the country’s history, marking a significant milestone for the local Church and the Salesian family.

The celebration drew Salesian representatives from India, including Fr. Provincial Joseph Pauria SDB, Fr. Bikash Mondal SDB (Youth Director & Vocation Promoter), Br. Johny SDB, and Fr. Nirmal Toppo SDB (Director, Nitika Don Bosco Studio). The following day, 29 November, Fr. Sentu celebrated his First Thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Church in his hometown of Shimulia, Jessore, Khulna. Before offering the Eucharist, the newly ordained priest paused to pray at the graves of his departed loved ones, a moving gesture of gratitude and remembrance.

Echoing the words of Our Lady, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38), Fr. Sentu begins his priestly ministry under the protection of Mary Help of Christians and St. John Bosco, with a special mission to bring Christ’s love to the young people of Bangladesh. The entire Church in the country rejoices and prays for his fruitful service ahead.

KOLKATA, 8 November 2025 – The Vicar of the Rector Major departed Kolkata for Rome today, concluding a 12-day consultation tour across South INC to discern the next Provincial. The final session took place on 6 November from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Nitika Don Bosco Conference Hall, 4th Floor, Provincial House, with Salesians from Krishnagar to Diamond Harbour in attendance.

The tour began in Bangladesh from 27 to 30 October, continued in Nepal from 30 October to 1 November, and concluded in India (Kolkata) from 1 to 8 November. During his Kolkata visit from 6 to 8 November, the Vicar met with confreres and Salesian Family members, celebrated the Holy Eucharist at Mother House MC, attended House Council at DBPC, visited Don Bosco Ashalayam centres, met the Provincial Council, delivered a Good Night Talk, and was honoured with a farewell dinner at the Provincial House.

The consultations reaffirmed unity and mission fidelity across Bangladesh, Nepal, and South Bengal in the spirit of Don Bosco.

SONADA, Darjeeling – October 28, 2025 – The curatorium of Salesian College Sonada met today on the college premises to evaluate and study the formation process.

The meeting included the four provincials of INC, INN, ING and INS, along with the house council, the Principal and rector of Siliguri college community.

Sonada, 11 July, 2025 - The vestition ceremony of thirteen recently professed brothers from the Salesian provinces of Kolkata and New Delhi was held with due solemnity and joy on 10th  July, 2025 at the Seminary Chapel of Salesian College, Sonada. 

These eleven brothers had their novitiate in the province of Bangalore where it is customary not to have clothing ceremony during the phase of novitiate formation.  Two brothers hailing from the diocese of Darjeeling too did not have their vestition. 

The celebration was presided over by Rev. Stephen Lepcha, Bishop of Darjeeling, and concelebrated by five Salesian priests. In his homily, Bishop Lepcha reflected on the deep significance of the religious habit, emphasizing that it is not merely a garment but a sign of the brothers’ dedication, identity, and mission. He reminded them of the responsibilities that come with wearing the habit, urging them to live lives of humility, service, and fidelity to their vocation.

The brothers who received the habit were Praful Dung Dung, Josh Hembrom, Paulus Hembrom, Ranjit Kujur, Kuldip Lakra, Telesphore Soreng, and Charlesh Murmu from the Salesian Province of Kolkata;  Amar Kujur, Anmol Tirkey, and Samir Ekka from the Province of Delhi. Two brothers ,Vivek George Rai and Cyril Pem Tshering Lepcha are from the Diocese of Darjeeling.

The ceremony concluded with congratulatory songs and a short felicitation programme to honour the newly vested brothers. The day ended with a joyful photo session, capturing the grace-filled moments of the celebration. 

Br. Abhishek Rai SDB

Shillong, 1 July 2025: A wave of joy and reverence enveloped the Sacred Heart Theological College (SHTC), Mawlai, Shillong, as 24 Salesian and religious brothers were ordained to the Diaconate during a solemn Eucharistic celebration on July 1, 2025, at 6:45 AM. The liturgy, presided over by Most Rev. Bernard Laloo, DD, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Shillong, marked a significant milestone for the Salesian Province of Kolkata (INC), which proudly welcomed three new deacons: Dn. Sentu Lawerence Biswas, Dn. Bernard Mardi, and Dn. Suleman Tudu.

The ordinandi represented various Provinces and Congregations across India, including the Salesian Provinces of Shillong (INS), Guwahati (ING), Dimapur (IND), Bangalore (INK), Hyderabad (INH), and the TOR Congregation. The Salesian Province of Kolkata rejoiced in the presence of its confreres who played key roles in the deacons’ journey. Fr. Biji Thomas, a revered retreat preacher from the Kolkata Province, animated the ordinandi’s preparatory retreat, guiding them with spiritual wisdom. Fr. James Chacko, who served as their philosophate rector at Sonada, was also present, witnessing the fruit of their formation.

In his homily, Bishop Laloo emphasized the deacon’s identity as a servant in the image of Christ. Quoting Scripture, he said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” He urged the deacons to remain grounded in prayer, humility, and charity, stating, “Like Christ who knelt to wash His disciples’ feet, you too must be willing to serve.” He further advised, “Speak not to impress people but to change them; not to insult, but to inspire.”

The ordination Mass drew a large gathering of priests, religious, staff, students, and well-wishers, with the celebration streamed live via Don Bosco Media, Shillong, allowing global participation. The Salesian Province of Kolkata joins the universal Church in celebrating Dn. Sentu, Dn. Bernard, and Dn. Suleman, praying for their fruitful ministry in proclaiming the Gospel, serving the Sacraments, and uplifting the People of God.

Sonada, 01 July, 2025 - The inauguration of the Academic Year 2025-2026 for the B. Ph department of Salesian College Sonada was on the 30th of June, 2025. It marked the  formal commencement of the new academic session, welcoming both the new and returning students and faculty members. 

The inaugural ceremony of the new academic year for the students and faculty of the department of philosophy began with Holy Mass  at 10.00 am, presided over by Fr. (Dr.) Donatus Kujur, SJ, Principal of St. Jospeh’s College North Point, Darjeeling. 

The Holy Mass was followed by a well-organized inaugural function which  was honored by the presence of more than eighty students, the teaching faculty, and the President of the function, Fr. (Dr.) Donatus Kujur.   The programme began with a hymn to the Holy Spirit after which the President and faculty members were welcomed with traditional khada.  Fr. Johny Nedungatt, SDB, the Rector of Salesian College, Sonada then extended a warm welcome to all the students,  and dignitaries.  In his welcome address, he also emphasized and urged the students to pursue deep learning, personal growth, and integrity, encouraging all to make the year a journey of intellectual and spiritual development.

The annual report of the academic year 2024-2025 was presented by Fr. (Dr) C. J Mathew, SDB, the Vice Rector of Salesian College, Sonada, and the HoD of the Philosophy department. The report skillfully highlighted the major academic activities, students' achievements, and the overall records of the Department of Philosophy. Cl. Lamkupar Nonglang, SDB, the assistant and teacher, gave the keynote address, presenting a paper entitled “Rene Girard’s Theory of Mimetic Desire and Scapegoat Mechanism.” The paper aims to highlight the broad perspective that philosophy offers when approached through authentic critical reflection.

The President of the Inaugural Programme, Fr. Dr. Donatus Kujur, SJ,  addressed the gathering, sharing deeply personal and profound reflections on the usefulness of studying philosophy. He proposed to the students the need to recognize the importance of philosophy, make efforts to broaden perspective, welcome doubts, ask questions, and ultimately be seekers of the truth.

Cl. Leonard Kusal Kami, SDB, a third-year student of philosophy, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the President, dignitaries, faculty, and participants for their presence and their contribution towards making the programme a successful one. 

The day’s programme concluded with fellowship meal for invited guests, faculty members and the students 

Br. Lamkupar Nonglang  SDB