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DBTC Kavarapettai Opens Academic Year, Installs New Rector and Honours Theology Graduates

Kavarapettai, June 4, 2026:

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DBTC Kavarapettai Opens Academic Year, Installs New Rector and Honours Theology Graduates

10 June 2026

Formation,

News reported by: Christopher Xavier SDB

The Don Bosco Theological Centre (DBTC), Kavarapettai, solidified its role in theological education by launching the 2026–2027 academic year and hosting its second convocation ceremony, uniting Salesian leaders, faculty, students, and guests in celebration of academic growth and spiritual formation.

The celebrations began with the Holy Eucharist, led by Fr. Don Bosco SDB, who serves as both the Provincial of the Chennai Province and the Moderator of DBTC. A key moment was the formal installation of Fr. Emmanuel Maddichetty SDB as Rector of Becchi Don Bosco, the institution's head. During the Eucharist, DBTC professors renewed their sacred oath, reaffirming their dedication to teaching Sacred Theology.

The inauguration continued with a prayer song by third-year theology students and the traditional lamp lighting. Fr. Emmanuel Maddichetty welcomed the gathering and thanked the Provincial for his leadership and presence.

Highlighting DBTC’s commitment to academic excellence, Fr. John Richard SDB, the newly appointed Principal, reviewed the past year’s achievements. Fr. Don Bosco called on students to pursue wisdom and lifelong learning through rigorous theological study, aligning with the centre’s mission.

To set the academic tone, Fr. John Richard delivered the inaugural lecture: “God in the Differences: A Comparative Study of the Hebrew and the Greek Bible in the Book of Habakkuk.” He stressed the value of textual criticism in understanding and interpreting Sacred Scripture and offered insights into biblical scholarship.

During the programme, the Provincial released the 2026–2027 Academic Calendar and presented copies to professors. The event also introduced and honoured the new leadership team: Fr. John Richard as Principal, Fr. Lourdusamy as Registrar, Fr. Stanley as Librarian, Fr. Christopher as Dean, and Fr. Antony Sebastian as Vice Rector and Administrator.

The convocation honoured eight students who completed their Bachelor’s in Sacred Theology. Accompanied by the Moderator, Principal, and Registrar, the graduates received degrees, Pastoral Year diplomas, and medals. Fr. Clement SDB won the first-rank medal for academic excellence.

With the arrival of first-year students, DBTC continues to expand its impact as an academic and formative hub, now serving 38 theology students from four Indian Salesian Provinces (INM, INT, INN and INH) and the Vincentian Congregation, as well as 10 deacons pursuing the Pastoral Year programme.