FLASH NEWS:
NEWS
Kolkata, 4 February 2026:
Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard Begins 13‑Day Visit to India
News written by: Fr C M Paul SDB
The Salesian Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard, begins his maiden visit to India as Superior General, a 13‑day journey from 5 to 17 February 2026. His itinerary spans three Salesian Provinces—Kolkata, New Delhi, and Chennai—each offering a unique context for encounter, animation, and renewal. Across communities, schools, parishes, and formation houses, the visit is set to reaffirm the Rector Major’s role as father and guide, walking closely with his confreres and with the young.
Kolkata (5–8 February)
The visit opens in the Province of St John Bosco, Kolkata, where Fr. Attard arrives on 5 February. His initial engagements at the Provincial House include prayer, fraternity, and a meeting with the Provincial Council, all of which set a reflective and pastoral tone.
During his stay, he travels to Siliguri in North Bengal and Azimganj in central Bengal, meeting young people, educators, Salesians, and members of the Salesian Family. He will address school and college students, celebrate the Eucharist with local communities, and join cultural programmes that showcase the province's vitality and intercultural richness.
Fr Joseph Pauria SDB, Provincial of Kolkata, notes: “The visit of the Rector Major to our province, especially during this centenary period, is a moment of deep grace. His presence strengthens our unity and renews our missionary zeal, encouraging us to walk faithfully with the young, especially those on the peripheries, in the spirit of Don Bosco.”
The Kolkata visit concludes on 8 February with a meeting of Salesian Family representatives and the installation of the new Provincial, Fr. Sunil Kerketta, followed by the Eucharist and a cultural programme at Don Bosco Park Circus.
New Delhi (9–13 February)
From Kolkata, the Rector Major proceeds to the Province of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, New Delhi, arriving on 9 February. His programme includes meetings with the Provincial Council, rectors, confreres, staff, students, past pupils, and formation communities. He visits Alaknanda, the Salesian Provincial Conference House, Holy Child Auxilium School at Vasant Vihar, and Salesian centres in Jharkhand at Ranchi, Kokar, Gumla, and Hatia.
Fr. Davis Maniparamben, Provincial of New Delhi, says: “The Rector Major’s visit is a powerful moment of animation and encouragement. His presence strengthens our commitment to communion, mission, and fidelity to the Salesian charism.”
A highlight of the Delhi leg is the laying of the foundation stone for a new school wing at Don Bosco Gumla, symbolizing hope and long‑term commitment to youth education.
Chennai (13–17 February)
The final phase of the visit takes place in the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle, Chennai, from 13 to 17 February. Fr. Attard will meet the Provincial and Council, address rectors and community leaders, and interact with young people from Chennai and Pondicherry. Pastoral visits to Polur, Vellore, and Tirupattur will include formation and educational centres.
His participation in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur, will add a festive dimension, highlighting the enduring educational mission of the Salesians in the region.
Fr. Don Bosco Lourdusamy, Provincial of Chennai, remarks: “The Province of Chennai has been eagerly preparing for this visit with prayer and joyful expectation. His presence deepens our sense of belonging to the Congregation and renews our enthusiasm for the Salesian mission. It will inspire our communities, our young people, and the entire Salesian Family to carry forward Don Bosco’s dream among the poorest youth.”
119
119
News Published by
Join the Conversation
Your experience matters. Whether you’re a youth leader, educator, or simply passionate about making a difference—your insights add value that reporting alone can't capture. When you comment, you're not just reacting—you're helping shape a thoughtful, encouraging community.Voices Amplified
“Can we initiate a doctoral program in Theology and/or allied subjects ... and obtain both pontifical / ecclesiastical and the national recognition? ” Read what others say.
—Thomas Koonan SDB
