MINISTRIES

Siliguri, 8 September:  In a heartwarming display of Salesian joy and camaraderie, 19 young Salesians of the Kolkata Province gathered at Don Bosco Siliguri from September 6-8, 2024, for a three-day formation and fraternal event. The gathering aimed to strengthen their vocational journey, deepen their understanding of the Salesian charism, and foster a sense of community.

The program featured thought-provoking sessions led by experienced Salesians, including Fr. Roshan Kullu, who highlighted the missionary dimension of Don Bosco's charism, and Fr. Babu Joseph, who underscored the vital role of education in fostering the integral development of young people. Fr. John Berger reflected on the theme of the Pastoral Heart, reminding the young confreres of the importance of cultivating a heart that is open, compassionate, and attuned to the needs of the flock entrusted to their care.

Throughout the gathering, the young Salesians were accompanied by Fr. Sunil Kerketta, Vice Provincial of Kolkata Province, who provided guidance and insight during the sessions. His presentation on the Evangelical Counsels of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience was particularly impactful, encouraging the young Salesians to live them with authenticity and joy. The gathering also included moments of fraternity, with friendly basketball and volleyball matches, and a special Mass at the Don Bosco Shrine where many made their first profession.

The gathering concluded with an outing to Siliguri Safari, marking a joyful end to the three days of learning, sharing, and fraternity. The event was a testament to the enduring power of faith and vocation, inspiring the young Salesians to be zealous apostles, particularly among the poor and the young. The presence of five newly ordained priests, who presided over the Sunday Eucharist, served as a reminder of the beauty and fruitfulness of priestly and religious life.

Sonada, 26 August: Salesian College Sonada hosted a three day Service Learning Workshop for the brothers starting on the 24th of August 2024. The workshop was  led by Dr. Anita Christine Tiphagne from United Board, an organization that assists Christian higher education in South Asia. 

Dr. Anita, a consultant and Assistant Director of the United Board was welcomed by Fr. Johny Nedungatt, the Rector of Salesian College Sonada with the traditional khada. Fr. Tomy Augustine, the Rector of Salesian College Siliguri, who facilitated Dr. Anita’s workshop was also present.

Service learning is a teaching and learning approach that integrates academic learning with community service. As Dr. Anita began her presentation she was briefed on the Youth centre activities of the brothers which helped her to train the brothers to re-approach these same  activities from the perspective of service learning. 

Dr. Anita’s presentation emphasized the integration of academic learning with community service. Service learning begins with the students going to the community,  listening  to their needs, problems, possibilities, and linking their situation in some way to their class room learning.  Based on what they discover as important needs of the community they  plan out a project, taking a cue from their academic learning.  This plan is to be implemented in the community.  

After the theoretical presentation Dr. Anita assisted the brothers to work out a plan for each youth center which would be tested out in the field on the following day. Armed with the new plan the brothers organized the next day’s  Youth Centre activities.  

On the third day of the workshop the brothers presented in groups their experience of the new approach to their Youth Centre Activities through short skits.  The workshop helped them  to move out of their set pattern of organizing Sunday activities. 

As the workshop came to a closure Dr. Anita challenged the brothers inviting them to join the faculty of the college to initiate service learning by placing before their batchmates their experience in the Youth Centres. 

Bro. Sachin Xavier Ekka, a fourth-year brother, speaking on behalf of the brothers expressed their gratitude, and said “Had I attended this workshop earlier, I would have made a significantly greater impact in both my youth center and classroom.”

The workshop proved to be a significant and enriching experience, fostering a deeper connection between academic learning and community service, and enhancing the brothers’ approach to their respective youth centers.

Cl. Clement Soren SDB

Darjeeling, 16 August: Eleven clerics from Salesian College, Sonada had their vestition on the 16th of August, 2024 in the college chapel presided over by the Bishop of Darjeeling, Rt. Rev. Stephen Lepcha, 

The candidates who received their religious habit hail from the Salesian provinces of New Delhi, Kolkata and the Diocese of Darjeeling.   After a prolonged absence of diocesan brothers in Salesian College, this year five clerics from Darjeeling diocese  joined the college  for their philosophical and graduate studies. 

The ceremony which lasted for over an hour was attended by family members of some of the candidates. Fr. Mathew Cherukattuparambil, the vice-rector, prepared the brothers to participate in the ceremony with devotion. Bishop Stephen Lepcha in his homily invited the brothers to be signposts in the world.  He said, “Today the world is so confused about many things. We are called to be signposts showing the right path to lead them to the values of the gospel and God”.

A short felicitation programme followed the Holy Eucharist.  The candidates were warmly greeted by their parents, relatives, and community members. The celebration featured congratulation songs and the presentation of khada, symbolizing blessings and love. As the day’s programme came to a closure, the Rector Fr. Johny Nedungatt, extended his heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Stephen Lepcha for presiding over the Holy Eucharist and for his inspiring but challenging words. 

Cl. Clement Soren SDB

Kolkata, 2 August 2023: The annual meeting of the South Asia Formation Commission (SAFC) of the Salesians of Don Bosco is being held at Don Bosco Provincial House, Kolkata from 31 July to 3 August 2024. During the four days annual meeting, 18 members of the South Asia region, mostly formation delegates of 12 provinces of India and Sri Lanka, will engage in discussion and deliberation on processes and challenges related to formation for the Salesians in the South Asia region.

The first day of the meeting began with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr John Parankimalil, secretary of the Salesian Provincials Conference of South Asia. On the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Fr John focused on the importance of discernment in the formation process. Discernment – namely being attentive to the voice of God – should not be restricted to certain decisive moment of life, but should become a habit that assists a person on a daily basis. He further added, that young people, especially those in formation, should be helped to listen to the voice of God amidst the cacophony a cluttered life.

During the inaugural function, Fr Sunil Kerketta, the vice-provincial of Kolkata province, welcomed the members to the city of joy with the traditional Utorio. In attendance were Fr Jose Kuttianimattathil and Raymond Callo of the formation department from Rome, along with Fr. Banzelao Teixeira (South Asia formation delegate) and Fr John Parankimalil, besides the other members. This inaugural function was followed by the Salesian Lectio animated by Fr Ashley Miranda of the Mumbai Province. Using texts from Scripture and Christus Vivit, the animator urged the participants to reflect on the topic of discernment. The rest of the day was dedicated to discussion and reflection on matters of formation.
Fr. Nirmal Toppo SDB

24 May, 2024, Waynad: In a significant and spiritually charged ceremony held at Mount Don Bosco, Padivayal, three novices from the Kolkata Province made their first profession of vows, marking a profound milestone in their religious journey. Nani Mardi, Nirmal Murmu, and Satish Saren, all hailing from Kolkata, were among the twelve novices who dedicated their lives to the Salesian Congregation yesterday.

The event, themed “Yours Alone, Jesus,” encapsulated the deep spiritual commitment of the novices. Fr. KJ Noble, the Director of Pre-Novices from the Kolkata Province, was present to support the three novices from Kolkata. His presence underscored the significance of the occasion for the Kolkata Province and highlighted the strong bonds within the Salesian community.

The ceremony was attended by a notable gathering of 60 priests and approximately 100 family members and relatives, who came to support and witness this pivotal moment. The presence of such a large contingent of clergy and family members added to the sense of community and spiritual solidarity, making the occasion even more memorable.

During the ceremony, each novice stepped forward to pronounce their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. This act of devotion marked their official entry into the Salesian Congregation. The ceremony was imbued with spiritual fervor, reflecting the novices' commitment to serving God and humanity, guided by the teachings of Don Bosco and the legacy of Mary Help of Christians.

For the Kolkata Province, the first profession of Nani Mardi, Nirmal Murmu, and Satish Saren is a moment of pride and spiritual fulfillment. Their dedication and commitment serve as an inspiration to their peers and the broader community in Kolkata. The support from Fr. KJ Noble and the collective prayers from their families and community members provide a strong foundation as they embark on their new journey within the Salesian congregation.

As these novices begin their spiritual path, their journey signifies the enduring values and dedication that the Salesian way of life embodies. The event at Mount Bosco Padivayal not only celebrated their commitment but also reinforced the unity and support within the Salesian community, spanning from Kolkata to Bangalore.

19 May 2024, Bangladesh: In a solemn and momentous ceremony at St. John Bosco Parish, Lokhikul, Bangladesh, four brothers—Cl. Dip Dines Hasda, Cl. Ignatius Mankhim, Cl. Polash Kerketta, and Cl. Shanto Hasda—made their final vows today, dedicating their lives to the Salesian community. The profession was made in the presence of Fr. Sunil Kerketta, Vice Provincial of Kolkata Province, who led the Holy Eucharist that marked the occasion.

The event was graced by the presence of numerous Salesians and the family members of the brothers, adding to the significance and joy of the day. This milestone highlights the rapid growth in local vocations within the Salesian community in Bangladesh over the past 15 years. The community recently celebrated the ordination of a new priest on April 5, 2025, and a diaconate ordination on May 17, 2024. Today’s profession of final vows by these four brothers underscores the continuing and robust development of Salesian vocations in the region.

The ceremony was a testament to the dedication and spiritual commitment of the brothers, as well as the supportive and nurturing environment provided by the Salesians. Following the Holy Eucharist, a felicitation ceremony was held to honor the newly professed brothers, recognizing their unwavering dedication to the mission of Don Bosco. The event concluded with a fellowship meal, fostering a sense of community and celebration among all attendees.

This day marks a significant chapter in the Salesian community's journey in Bangladesh, reflecting both the deep spiritual commitment of its members and the strong growth of local vocations.

Bro. Malsam Tisu