NEWS
The Salesian Province of Kolkata is all set to begin the three years of the centenary celebrations, with the opening ceremony here under the Mantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Bandel Basilica on 27 May 2023.
Twenty-four young men belonging to the St. John Paul II Salesian Province of Shillong and eight from the Province of Mary Help of Christians, Guwahati, made their First Profession of Religious Vows in the Congregation on May 24, at Don Bosco Sunnyside, the Salesian Novitiate in Upper Shillong. Father Biju Michael, the Regional Superior for South Asia, who is doing the Extra-ordinary Visitation in the Province, received their vows on behalf of the Rector Major.
The workshop at Don Bosco Novitiate, Kandy, Sri Lanka, on the basics of Salesian Youth Ministry proved to be a transformative experience for the students in formation and practical trainees. The workshop focused on empowering students in Formation and Practical trainees by introducing them to the Salesian Youth Ministry framework. Led by Father Gabriel Karunaraj, Coordinator for Vocational Guidance in South Asia, the event facilitated understanding of today's youth and taught effective methods of accompanying them.
A workshop was organized for the delegates of the Youth Ministry in the Vice Province of Sri Lanka, focusing on creating a culture of vocation and introducing Career Guidance and Job Placement Services. Father Gabriel Karunaraj, Director of Don Bosco Job Placement Network, animated the workshop. The workshop gave a comprehensive briefing on career counselling, employability skill training, and job placement assistance.
Don Bosco Media Network Television team and the Youth United For Christ prayer group distributed clothes and other materials in Mawkynrew, Umtong villages in Shillong on May 7. The various items were contributed by well-wishers to aid underprivileged families in and around Shillong.
The Training of the Trainers was organized by the SPCSA Salesian Family at Don Bosco Provincial House Mathias Institute Mawlai, Shillong, from April 24-28, 2023, on the theme “Catechesis of a Synodal Church: A paradigm shifts towards solidarity and communion.”
The Don Bosco Youth Centre campus was abuzz with spectators to witness the nightingale voices produced by the Youth Centre at a “Sing out loud” concert on April 21.
Kolkata Salesians have partnered in joint mission efforts for a second time with St Joseph’s Province of Vincentian Fathers by offering existing Salesian facilities in Nepal and India. Bishop Vincent Aind of Bagdogra in Siliguri blessed the existing Salesian facility, christened it Messengers of Good News and offered it to the Vincentians on April 19, 2023. Called Vincentian Ashram, the facility is situated near Champasari-Debidanga in Siliguri, the commercial hub of North Bengal.
It was a surprise call from the Chief District Officer of Lalitpur District, Mr Rajnarayan Acharya, expressing his interest in the Don Bosco centre. As he visited the premise on April 3, he was gentle and showed no bearing of his position’s pride and laurels. He greeted us with the traditional Namaste.
As part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Don Bosco School, Irinjalakuda, Kerala, a 5K RUN (5 kilometres running race) was organized on April 1, 2023, with the tagline, ‘Run against drug abuse, run to stop violence against women.’ Dr R. Bindu, Minister for Higher Education, Kerala, flagged off the 5K RUN at Don Bosco school premises, preceded by a warming-up session with a Zumba dance.