MINISTRIES

BANDEL, 2 January – The Salesian community and faithful gathered at the historic Basilica of the Holy Rosary, Bandel, on Friday morning to bid a solemn farewell to Brother Policarp Ekka, a dedicated Salesian of Don Bosco whose sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of many. The funeral service, held on January 2 at 10:00 AM, celebrated the life of a man described as a "faithful son of Don Bosco," bringing together mourners to honor his decades of service to education and the church.

Born on July 24, 1944, on the Chotanagpur plateau of Jharkhand, Br. Policarp committed his life to the Salesian congregation, making his first profession in 1974 and his final vows in 1980. His journey as a religious brother was marked by a deep devotion modeled after Saint Artemide Zatti, characterized by a spirit of service that spanned over five decades. The service highlighted his unexpected death on December 30, 2025, during a cherished stay in Don Bosco Mirpara where he spent his final days amidst the Technical youths he loved.

Br. Policarp was a pillar of technical education within the province, serving tirelessly across various institutes including Don Bosco Park Circus, Krishnanagar, Liluah, Mirpara, Kalimpong, and Techo. He was fondly remembered not just for his religious vocation but for his practical contributions in the classroom, where he helped countless young boys master mathematics and technical skills. His colleagues and students recall a mentor who combined academic rigor with a genuine care for the youth entrusted to him.

Tributes during the service painted a picture of a man defined by "guileless joy and hearty laughter" that seemed to fill every room he entered. The memorial emphasized his legacy of curiosity and unwavering faith, noting that he lived with a happiness that was infectious to those around him. As the congregation prayed, the sentiment shared was one of celebrating a brother who, in the words of the memorial, "jumped the line ahead of us all" to his eternal reward.

The burial rites concluded the emotional service at the Bandel Basilica, a site of significant historical and religious importance. As the community laid Br. Policarp Ekka to rest, the overwhelming message was one of gratitude for a life lived in humble service, leaving behind a lasting impact on the educational landscape of the region and the spiritual lives of his Salesian family.

Calcutta, 10 November 2025 – In a quiet yet historic moment that fulfills a decades-old missionary vision of St. John Bosco, three Salesian pioneers stepped onto the bustling streets of Calcutta today, one day ahead of their official takeover scheduled for tomorrow.

Fr. Paul Bonardi, appointed as Rector and overseer of the Catholic Orphan Press; Fr. Gil, tasked with leading the parish as Pro-vicar; and Br. Peter Aprile, the versatile “fac totum” of the new house, arrived from Shillong under the guidance of Mgr. Louis Mathias. The trio, handpicked for this landmark mission, will initially work alongside Jesuit Fathers and the elderly Br. Rome until year’s end to ensure a smooth transition.

The establishment marks Calcutta as a vital hub for the Salesians’ growing presence in Eastern India, serving as a strategic stopover for Assam missions while honoring Don Bosco’s longstanding dream for the city. Tomorrow, 11 November—coinciding with the Golden Jubilee of Salesian missions to Argentina—the handover of the Cathedral parish and Press will formally begin, backed by a creative funding solution involving Salvatorian legacies.

Mgr. Mathias, unable to accompany the group due to urgent duties, has promised an early visit. As the Salesians settle in, Archbishop Perier’s eager welcome signals a new chapter of faith and service in the heart of Bengal.

Hooghly, 28 October - Don Bosco Mission at Sinhet hosted a three-day spiritual retreat from October 23 to 26, 2025, that drew more than 900 participants from surrounding substations, with preaching by Fr. Salvatore Murmu and organization led by Fr. Irish Besra's team.

The event offered residents and daily commuters a chance to deepen their faith. Some attendees stayed overnight at the venue, while those from nearby areas returned home each evening.

Fr. Murmu delivered the sermons, guiding the large gathering through reflection and prayer. Fr. Besra and his team managed all logistics, ensuring smooth participation across the days.

The retreat strengthened community bonds and spiritual renewal among the faithful from the substations.

KOLKATA – October 28, 2025 – The Salesian Province of Kolkata (INC) will receive two new missionaries assigned to Bangladesh as part of the historic 156th Missionary Expedition, launching November 11 in Turin’s Valdocco Basilica – precisely 150 years after Don Bosco sent the first Salesians to Argentina on November 11, 1875.

Fr. Solomon Balikudembe (AGL – Kenya) and Fr. Mwila Mumba (ZMB – Zambia) have been appointed to serve in Bangladesh under the Kolkata Province’s jurisdiction, reinforcing the region’s mission to youth in one of Asia. Caring for the young in Bangladesh aligns with the Province’s long-standing commitment to education, vocational training, and pastoral care in challenging contexts.

These two confreres are among dozens from across the globe who will receive the Missionary Cross during the 5 p.m. ceremony in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. Their arrival in Kolkata marks a significant moment in the jubilee year’s theme – “Give Thanks, Rethink, Relaunch” – highlighting a new era of reciprocal mission, with Salesians now present in 137 countries.

Preparation for the entire 156th expedition began October 5 with the “Germoglio Course” in Genzano/Rome, followed by formative stops at Colle Don Bosco, Mornese, and Valdocco, deepening their grounding in Salesian spirituality and intercultural mission.

The Kolkata Province warmly welcomes Fr. Balikudembe and Fr. Mumba, whose generous response continues Don Bosco’s legacy of reaching the most vulnerable youth. The Missions Sector urges the Salesian Family worldwide to support them through prayer as they prepare to serve in Bangladesh’s dynamic and demanding mission field.

-ANS News

Shillong, September 24, 2025 – Six Salesians from the Kolkata Province—Fr. Tijo Thomas (Don Bosco Siliguri), Fr. Roshan Kullu (St. John Bosco Parish, Liluah), Fr. Pius Kerketta (Sacred Heart Quasi Parish, Dhajea), Fr. Denis Murmu (Don Bosco Katihar), Fr. Sudhir Khalkho (Don Bosco Malbasey), and Fr. Alphonse Soren (Don Bosco Parish, Azimganj)—are immersed in a transformative pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Jerusalem, following a month-long missionary formation course in Shillong. Halfway through their journey, Fr. Denis Murmu shares that the group is praying fervently for their province and communities, drawing profound inspiration from the sacred sites of Jesus and early Christian communities to deepen their missionary zeal.

The annual Missionary Course for Salesians of India, culminating in this Holyland pilgrimage, seeks to reignite their dedication to serving with love and commitment. By walking in the footsteps of Jesus, the Kolkata Salesians are seeking intercession and guidance to strengthen their apostolate, with the pilgrimage fostering spiritual renewal and a renewed focus on their mission to uplift the poorest youth in their communities.

Kathmandu, July 17, 2025 — Fr. Stephen Biswakarma, Rector and Director of Don Bosco SHARE, Nepal, recently participated in the Rectors and Parish Priests Programme held from July 15 to 17, 2025. The programme, a key event in the Salesian calendar, was organized by the Salesians of Don Bosco Kolkata Province and took place at the Don Bosco Provincial House in Kolkata.

The three-day event brought together rectors and parish priests from across the province, providing a vital platform for reflection, leadership formation, and pastoral collaboration. The programme aimed to strengthen the Salesian spirit of communion and enhance the effectiveness of local leadership in guiding communities in accordance with the charism of St. John Bosco.

Participants engaged in a series of sessions focused on spiritual renewal, administrative responsibilities, pastoral challenges, and the evolving role of Salesian leaders in contemporary society. Discussions also emphasized the importance of synodality, collaborative decision-making, and mission-focused governance.

Fr. Stephen’s participation highlighted the growing engagement and contribution of the Salesian presence in Nepal within the broader Kolkata Province. Representing Don Bosco SHARE, an organization actively working in the fields of education, youth empowerment, and social outreach, Fr. Stephen shared valuable insights from the Nepal mission while also gaining renewed inspiration for local initiatives.

"The programme was both spiritually enriching and practically insightful," Fr. Stephen said. "It was a valuable occasion to learn, share, and reflect alongside fellow Salesian leaders. I return to Nepal with a deepened sense of mission and commitment to our work with the young and the marginalized."

The meeting concluded with a closing message from the Provincial of the Kolkata Province, who emphasized unity, pastoral dedication, and fidelity to the Salesian mission. The formal programme was followed by a fraternal lunch, marking the end of the gathering in a spirit of shared commitment and brotherhood.