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.