NEWS
We offer our tribute to Fr Arulvalan, a Salesian priest whose unwavering commitment to the most oppressed and neglected sections of society, especially the Thurumbar (Puthirai Vannar) community of Tamil Nadu, died at 54. His funeral was held on April 9 at Saint Dominic Savio Church in Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu. His tireless work with the Thurumbar Liberation Movement (TLM) reveals not only a deep conviction in the Gospel of justice but also a courageous defiance against the entrenched caste hierarchy that continues to haunt Indian society.
The 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation concluded with the Eucharistic celebration on April 12 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Rome. The Rector Major Fr. Fabio expressed profound gratitude for the experience lived during the General Chapter, describing it as a moment of Salesian Pentecost. He highlighted how the Holy Spirit guided every phase of the Chapter through the method of conversation in the Spirit, and he invited the entire Congregation to continue on this path of listening and discernment.
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With recollected minds and hearts, the members of the General Chapter (GC 29) entered through the Holy Door and, reverentially bowing towards the Altar of the Chair at St. Peter's Basilica, settled among the pews to take part in the concelebrated Eucharist presided over by Fr. Fabio Attard, the Rector Major on Friday, April 11.
Presiding over the closing celebration of the General Chapter in Turin, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, the former Rector Major, along with his predecessor, Fr. Pascual Chávez Villanueva, and successor, Fr. Fabio Attard, invited his fellow Salesians during the Eucharist, to be new Don Boscos for today's world: "missionaries in love, captivated by Christ, and compelled to share the love that transformed their lives."
The Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard presented a special gift, the Medal of Mary, to the participants of the General Chapter 29. The medals were kept overnight at Colle Don Bosco, the birthplace of St. John Bosco. “This is not a pious gesture,” said the Rector Major Fr. Attard, “but a real act of entrustment to our Mother.”
On the morning of April 8, the assembly unanimously approved the final document—a challenging task, given the need to find a common language among delegates from 136 countries. Yet, this intercultural effort has borne fruit. The Chapter members now take home not just a document but a shared desire to draw closer to the Lord and to “do whatever He tells you,” echoing Mary’s words at Cana, which had been a focus of prayer and reflection throughout the assembly.
Fr. Patrick Alexander, the general coordinator of the General Chapter of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has earned a reputation for his organizational skills, attention to detail, and concern for the confreres. His work during GC 29, held at Valdocco, Turin, is a testament to his professionalism, efficiency, and dedication. Fr. Patrick Alexander hails from the Salesian Province of Tiruchy, India, and presently belongs to Salesian Headquarters in Rome.
The Don Bosco Development Society (DBDOC), the social service arm of the Salesian Province of Calcutta, has reached a significant milestone: It has handed over the keys to its 500th low-cost house for slum dwellers in Kapali Bagan, Tangra, Kolkata.
The Indian Ambassador, Dr. Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, during his visit to the headquarters of FUNDEMI Talita Kumi, a distinguished Salesian foundation located in San Pedro Carchá, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, on 4th April, admired the exemplary work of Father Jorge (George) Puthempura, an Indian-origin Salesian missionary and the visionary founder of the institution. Fr Jorge is an alumnus of the Salesian College Sonada of the early 1960s.
After almost 50 days of intense work, the 29th General Chapter has entered its final week. The second half of the week will take place in Rome, where the chapter members will pilgrimage to the Vatican and conclude the GC29.
His Holiness Pope Francis sent a message to the participants of the 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation held in Valdocco, Turin, from February 16 to April 12, 2025.
The newly elected Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard, has appointed Fr Thathireddy Vijayabhaskar as his Personal Secretary at the Generalate in Rome. The appointment comes while Fr Thathireddy serves as the Salesian community's Rector at Colle Don Bosco, Italy.
The Don Bosco Skill Development Centre Parvathipuram, Andhra Pradesh, recently concluded a three-month Tally course to equip unemployed youth, mainly from tribal communities, with essential accounting and financial management skills. The initiative, held in Manyam District, attracted 45 participants and marked a significant step toward tackling unemployment and fostering self-reliance in the region.
With the election of the new General Council members concluded, the focus now shifts to approving the documents summarizing the Congregation's high-level reflections. These documents will serve as guiding principles for every community, ensuring that the figure of Don Bosco remains relevant, especially for vulnerable and marginalized young people.
Marking Transgender Day of Visibility, DBMedia Network Chennai has released the acclaimed documentary TRANSCENDER, which chronicles the inspiring journey of K. Prithika Yashini, India's first transgender police officer.
The 11th successor of Don Bosco.
Viva Don Bosco! Viva Don Fabio!
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