MINISTRIES

SHILLONG, Aug 10: Senior representatives from the Salesian Province of Kolkata joined formators from across South Asia at the Don Bosco Provincial House in Shillong for the formal release of the English edition of the Fifth Salesian Formation Ratio alongside an intensive three day regional training summit. Vice Provincial Rev. Fr. Biji Thomas, together with Fr. Ramesh Cherian, Rector of the Pre Novices, and Fr. Pritam Barla, Lecturer at Salesian College Sonada, represented the Kolkata province at the event held from August 9 to 11. General Councillor for Formation Fr. Silvio Roggia SDB formally released the publication and presented the first copy to former General Councillor Fr. Ivo Coelho SDB, in the presence of Shillong Provincial Fr. John Zosiama SDB and regional delegates.

The updated publication, promulgated in Rome earlier this year by Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard SDB following initial revision work under former Rector Major Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime SDB, serves as the primary global guide for Salesian religious life and formation. Introducing the text, Fr. Banzalao Teixeira SDB, Coordinator of the South Asia Formation Commission, highlighted that the document reflects the collective wisdom and experience of Salesians across different cultures and generations. Fr. Roggia emphasized that the publication captures the mind and heart of the congregation, establishing a clear blueprint to accompany young men throughout their vocational discernment and lifelong formation.

Over the course of the summit, delegates participated in practical workshops focused on the five key dimensions of Salesian development and pastoral accompaniment. The Kolkata delegation actively contributed to province level strategy sessions designed to address local formation challenges and establish practical methods for implementing the new guidelines in regional formation houses. The program concluded with a shared vision among South Asian leadership to ensure a unified, modern, and effective approach to Salesian training across all provinces.

SHILLONG: Formators from the Salesian Province of Kolkata, including Vice Provincial Rev. Fr. Biji Thomas, joined formators from across South Asia for a three day training on their fundamental guiding document. The program, held at the Don Bosco Provincial House from August 9 to 11, focused on the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis et Studiorum, which serves as the primary guide for Salesian formation globally. Fr. Ramesh Cherian, Rector of the Pre Novices, and Fr. Pritam Barla, Lecturer at Salesian College Sonada, also represented the Kolkata province at the regional gathering.

The sessions explored the five dimensions of Salesian development, emphasizing lifelong learning, practical experience, and discernment. General Councillor for Formation Fr. Silvio Roggia described the document as capturing the mind and heart of the Salesians, while Fr. Ivo Coelho led the opening sessions and highlighted its role as a roadmap for guiding young people. Participants engaged in personal reflections on key chapters of the text and reviewed video presentations from Salesian leaders regarding its core principles.

The gathering concluded with focused discussions where delegates from Kolkata and other provinces mapped out practical strategies to bring these guidelines back to their local communities. The final day allowed participants to share regional practices, address challenges, and clarify the roles of provincial formation commissions. The overarching goal of the summit is to ensure a unified and effective approach to Salesian training across the entire South Asian region.

Shillong, 7 August - Eight brothers from the Salesian Province of Kolkata were among 47 clerics instituted into the ministries of Lector and Acolyte during a Mass at Sacred Heart Theological College in Mawlai on Thursday. Fr John Zosiama, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Shillong, officially conferred the ministries. The event represents a crucial step in the theological formation of these young men as they prepare for eventual ordination.

Preaching on the Gospel of Luke, Fr Zosiama focused on Christ's command to give the crowds something to eat. He told the clerics this duty involves spiritual nourishment through Scripture and faithful liturgical service. He advised the lectors to allow the Word of God to change their own lives so they can proclaim it with genuine conviction to the public. Addressing the acolytes, he emphasized their new responsibility to assist priests and deacons at the altar with dignity and quiet devotion.

The newly instituted lectors from the Kolkata province, who recently completed their first year of theological studies, are Michael Murmu, Pynshaibok Nongpluh, and Kishore Panna. The new acolytes, having finished their second year of theology, are Shanto Zacharias Hasda, Birendra Kerketta, Palash Kispotta, Ignatius Mankhin, and Dominic Sudip Mondol. These ministries will allow the brothers to take on greater public roles in worship and service within the Church as they continue their journey.

KRISHNANAGAR, July 25: The Salesian Family of the Kolkata Province rejoiced as Bro. Uttam Murmu, SDB made his Perpetual Profession on Saturday, 25 July 2026, at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Krishnanagar. The solemn celebration began with the Holy Eucharist at 10:00 a.m., marking a significant milestone in Bro. Uttam's lifelong commitment to God and the mission of St. John Bosco.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Provincial, Rev. Fr. Sunil Kerketta, SDB, who received the perpetual vows on behalf of the Recor Major (Rev. Fr. Fabio Attard, SBD) of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Among the concelebrants were Rev. Fr. Joseph Pauria, SDB, former Provincial, Fr. C. M. Jose, Parish Priest of Muktinagar, Fr. Ramesh, SDB, Rector of Savio Bhavan, and several other Salesian priests.
The celebration witnessed the presence of 20 priests and around 15 religious sisters, along with Pre- Novices, Salesian brothers, non-teaching staff of English medium and the community of Don Bosco Krishnagar. Bro. Uttam's parents, relatives, friends, and well-wishers travelled from different places to witness this joyful and grace-filled occasion and to accompany him with their prayers.
During the Holy Mass, Bro. Uttam publicly professed the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, making his permanent commitment according to the Constitutions of the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco. Rev. Fr. Sunil Kerketta in his inspiring homily reflected on the three temptations of Jesus in the desert and encouraged Bro. Uttam to remain faithful to Christ, persevere in his vocation, and joyfully dedicate his life to the service of the Church and the young until the end.
The Holy Eucharist was prayerfully animated by the Hostel Boys' Choir, whose melodious hymns and active participation added beauty and solemnity to the liturgy. Their inspiring singing created a prayerful atmosphere and helped the congregation participate more deeply in the celebration.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation programme was held in the community hall. The programme commenced with an introduction by Fr. Nicholas, followed by a warm welcome address by the Rector. The gathering included the cutting of a congratulatory cake and a beautiful congratulatory song presented by the SMI Novices.
The cultural programme featured melodious choir presentations by the Pre-Novices of Savio Bhavan, an inspiring address by Ajoy Augustine Tudu (hostel boy) on behalf of the community, energetic dances by the hostel students, and songs performed by the fathers and brothers, creating an atmosphere of thanksgiving and celebration. A special attraction of the programme was two graceful dance performances by Bro. Uttam Murmu's nieces—one solo dance and one duet dance—which were warmly appreciated by the audience.
One of the highlights of the programme was the release of the book The Eucharistic, written by Fr. M. C. Syriac. The book was formally released by Rev. Fr. Sunil Kerketta, SDB, together with Fr. Ramesh, Rector of Savio Bhavan. The first copies were presented to Rev. Fr. Joseph Pauria, SDB, former Provincial, and to Bro. Uttam Murmu, SDB. Fr. Joseph Pauria reflected on the central place of the Eucharist in Christian life and encouraged everyone to deepen their devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
Bro. Uttam Murmu expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for the gift of his vocation. He sincerely thanked the Provincial, priests, brothers, sisters, formators, teachers, benefactors, and all who had accompanied him throughout his formation. He also offered special thanks to his parents, relatives, friends, and all those who had prayed for and supported him during his vocational journey.
The programme concluded with words of appreciation and congratulations from the gathered community. Bro. Uttam was felicitated by the Salesian community, priests, religious sisters, family members, relatives, and friends. The joyous celebration ended with a delicious fellowship lunch shared by all, strengthening the spirit of communion and thanksgiving.
The Perpetual Profession of Bro. Uttam Murmu, SDB was truly a memorable celebration of faith, commitment, and hope. It served as an inspiration to all present, reminding them of the beauty of responding generously to God's call. May Mary Help of Christians and St. John Bosco continue to guide and strengthen Bro. Uttam as he faithfully serves the Church and the young throughout his Salesian ministry.
-Cl. Robin Ekka, SDB

KOLKATA: Rev. Fr. Peter Vincent Lourdes, SDB, one of India’s pioneering priest-psychologists and the oldest Salesian in the Kolkata Province, passed away today, May 28, 2026, at the age of 100. Following his lifelong commitment to human welfare, Fr. Lourdes’ body was donated to the Calcutta National Medical College for academic and medical research, fulfilling his final wishes for selfless service.

A solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Nitika Chapel within Nitika Don Bosco, Tangra, where Fr. Lourdes had spent his final years. The liturgy was offered by Fr. Sunil Kerketta, Provincial of the Kolkata Province, drawing religious leaders, Salesian confreres, relatives, and regular citizens to pay their final respects. The service highlighted his profound influence on the psychological and spiritual landscapes of the Catholic Church in India. In accordance with his humble nature, no official obituary messages were read. Instead, the gathered mourners paid tribute through the offering of wreaths, flowers, and flower petals.

Born on March 19, 1926, Fr. Lourdes dedicated 83 years of his life to religious profession and 72 years to the priesthood. He achieved distinction as the first Indian national to serve as Principal of Salesian College, Sonada (1967–1970), and was a founding pillar and former director of the National Vocation Service Centre (NVSC) in Pune.

In his later years, Fr. Lourdes gained widespread public admiration when, at the age of 94, he successfully survived a severe battle with COVID-19 at Fortis Hospital Anandapur. A memorable photograph captured him hoisting the Indian Tricolour on Independence Day 2020 shortly after being taken off oxygen support, a moment hospital officials called a "symbol of hope and clinical excellence."

Church leaders and colleagues emphasized that his final act perfectly mirrored a lifetime spent breaking conventional boundaries to serve the community. Driven by a personal desire to support the advancement of medical science, Fr. Lourdes had voluntarily drafted a will declaring that his body be used for medical studies. Immediately following the chapel services, his body was transferred to the hospital before being handed over to the medical college to fulfill his final wish.

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.