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Kolkata
Fr. Sunil Kerketta Installed as 18th Provincial of Kolkata Salesians
News written by: Fr C M Paul SDB
The Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Fr. Fabio Attard, the 11th Successor of Don Bosco, installed Fr. Sunil Kerketta as the new Provincial of the Kolkata Province (INC). The solemn ceremony took place on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Fr. Kerketta, who was nominated Provincial designate on December 2, 2025, with the consent of the General Council, succeeds Fr. Joseph Pauria, who has led the Province since 2020. He becomes the 18th Provincial of Kolkata Province, which today numbers 263 confreres with a median age of 50, spread across India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
In his installation homily, Rector Major Fr. Attard emphasized continuity with Don Bosco’s mission: “The Provincial is called to be a father, brother, and guide, ensuring that the charism of Don Bosco remains alive in every community and apostolate.”
Fr. Kerketta expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him, pledging to walk with the confreres and young people of the Province: “I accept this responsibility with humility and faith, knowing that our mission is to bring hope to the youth, especially those most at risk.”
Born in Birta Girjatoli village in Jharkhand, Fr. Kerketta is the fifth of seven children of devout Catholic parents from Lachragarh parish in Simdega diocese. His Salesian roots trace back to his student days at Don Bosco Hatia, Ranchi. He pursued higher studies at Don Bosco Bandel and Salesian College, Sonada, earning degrees in Philosophy and Arts, followed by a Diploma in Counselling and Spiritual Direction from NVSC, Pune.
He made his first profession in Siliguri in 1994, perpetual profession at Liluah in 2000, and was ordained a priest at Bandel Shrine in 2003. Over the years, he has served as youth animator, pre-novitiate director, administrator, vocation promoter, and Provincial Council member. At the time of his nomination, he was Vice-Provincial, Formation Delegate, and Salesian Family Delegate.
The Kolkata Province, established in 1926 as the first Salesian Province in India, has grown to 40 communities in Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Bangladesh and Nepal. It animates 32 parishes, 30 higher secondary schools, 25 boardings and hostels, two higher education institutions, 13 vocational training centres, and numerous social development initiatives, youth centres, and formation houses. Until 2004, Myanmar too was part of this Province.
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