Fr. Attard arrived at the New Delhi airport at 12.20 pm and was warmly received by the confreres of the INN Province, with Fr. Sajin welcoming him with a bouquet. He reached Don Bosco Provincial House (DBPH), Okhla Road, at 2.16 pm, where Fathers, Brothers, staff, students, and members of the Salesian community accorded him a traditional Salesian welcome, including the symbolic washing of hands. The Provincial felicitated him with a shawl; Fr. Edward honoured him with a pagadi; and the Vice Provincial presented floral bouquets, followed by a group photograph and a community lunch.

 

In the afternoon, the Rector Major visited Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI), Okhla, where around 250 students, staff, and community members gathered. He paid homage at the newly installed statue of Don Bosco and witnessed a cultural programme featuring a prayer dance and student performances. Addressing the young, Fr. Attard affirmed that education is the key to the future and that Salesian institutions uniquely connect the present with the future by offering opportunities, hope, and dignity to young people across cultures and nations.

 

Reflecting on Don Bosco’s early struggles, he highlighted the enduring relevance of the Salesian Preventive System, stressing care, gentleness, and humaneness in accompanying the young. He reminded educators that young people must always feel loved and supported, noting that former students often return not only to meet Salesians but also to reconnect with teachers who shaped their lives.

 

At 4.37 pm, Fr. Attard met around 110 members of the Salesian Family, including Salesian Cooperators and Religious. Drawing inspiration from Don Bosco’s letters to the Salesians of America, he urged all to cultivate kindness, gentleness, and a truly human approach rooted in a strong spiritual environment. The evening Holy Eucharist further deepened the day’s reflections, as the Rector Major spoke on service, faith, and obedience to God, encouraging everyone to stand with the weak and serve with humility.

 

A significant highlight of the visit was the Rector Major’s engagement with the Don Bosco Okhla Campus later in the afternoon. Upon his arrival at 3.30 pm, he was accorded a floral welcome and a ceremonial tribute at the statue of St. John Bosco. Fr. Sajan M. George, Rector of the campus, presented an institutional overview outlining academic achievements, infrastructural development, and student-centred initiatives, after which the dignitaries proceeded to the auditorium.

 

The formal programme brought together key Salesian leaders, including Fr. Biju Michael, Regional Councillor for South Asia; Fr. Vijaya Bhaskar Thathireddy, Secretary to the Rector Major; Fr. Davis Maniparamben, Provincial of New Delhi; Fr. John Parankimalil, SPCSA Secretary; and members of the Provincial Council. The lighting of the traditional lamp inaugurated the event, followed by a prayer dance by DBTI students and an energetic street dance by students of Don Bosco Institute of Technology, reflecting youthful creativity and vitality.

 

During an interactive session, Fr. Attard engaged students and faculty on leadership, ethical responsibility, and the global mission of the Salesian Congregation across 139 countries. Responding to questions on governance and administration, he emphasized the integration of value-based education with academic excellence. He reiterated Don Bosco’s conviction in the potential of every young person and elaborated on the Preventive System founded on reason, religion, and loving-kindness as a way of life rather than merely a pedagogical method.

 

In a subsequent meeting with members of the Salesian Family, the Rector Major underlined their collective responsibility to educate the young and to communicate peace, familiarity, and hope. Rooted in the spirit of the XXIX General Chapter of Turin and its theme, “Passionate for Jesus Christ, Dedicated to the Young,” he challenged the Salesian Family to live Don Bosco’s charism with authenticity, attentive listening, and renewed missionary courage. He also drew attention to emerging frontiers such as artificial intelligence, integral ecology, and the formation of Salesians and lay collaborators, while safeguarding the human sensitivity of the Preventive System.

 

The day culminated in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 5.30 pm. Drawing inspiration from the Wedding at Cana, the Parable of the Talents, and the Strenna 2026, “Do whatever He tells you,” Fr. Attard reminded the Salesian Family that their essential “talent” is the charism of Don Bosco, to be lived creatively and courageously. The visit concluded with fraternity, group photographs, and a community dinner.