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Bengaluru, November 4, 2026:

Fr Thomas Koonan Appointed Provincial of Bangalore Salesian Province

4 November 2026

Appointments, SPCSA, Salesian Society,

News reported by: Bastin Nellissery sdb

The Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, with the consent of his Council, has appointed Fr Thomas Koonan, SDB, as Provincial of the Sacred Heart Province of Bangalore (INK) for the six-year term 2027–2033. He will succeed Fr Jose Thomas Koyickal, SDB, at the conclusion of his mandate.

The Bangalore Province has 48 communities and 386 confreres serving across Karnataka and Kerala.

Congratulating Fr Koonan on his appointment, Fr Koyickal described the nomination as a significant responsibility of animation and leadership within the Salesian mission. “We warmly congratulate Fr Thomas on his nomination and on his acceptance of this important ministry. We thank God for the gift of his availability,” Fr Koyickal said.

Expressing confidence in his successor’s leadership, he noted that Fr Koonan’s experience in various responsibilities would help the Province achieve greater growth, deeper communion and renewed commitment to the Salesian mission. He also highlighted Fr Koonan’s prayerfulness, religious life, love for young people, dedication to the mission and warm, fraternal disposition.

A life dedicated to Salesian formation and education

Fr Thomas Koonan was born on June 24, 1968, at Chalakudy, Kerala, and belongs to St Mary’s Forane Church, West Chalakudy, in Thrissur district. He entered the Aspirantate at Don Bosco Bhavan, Mannuthy, in May 1980.

He made his first religious profession on May 24, 1986, at Mount Don Bosco Novitiate, Kotagiri, and was ordained a priest on December 26, 1995.

Following his ordination, Fr Koonan served as Administrator and Professor of Philosophy at Don Bosco, Aluva, from 1997 to 1999, continuing his teaching ministry until 2000. He later pursued doctoral studies in Sociology at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, earning his PhD in 2003.

His leadership journey in Salesian education began with his appointment as Vice-Rector and Principal of Don Bosco, Aluva, where he served until 2006. He then became Rector of the institution, serving from 2006 to 2009.

Extensive experience in provincial leadership

From 2009 to 2015, Fr Koonan served as Vice Provincial of the Bangalore Province, contributing to its animation and governance.

He was subsequently appointed Rector of Don Bosco College, Angadikadavu, where he served from 2015 to 2021. He next served as Vice-Rector and Principal of Don Bosco, Mampetta, from 2021 to 2022.

Between 2022 and 2025, he served as Rector of Don Bosco Bhavan, Mannuthy. Since 2025, he has been serving as Vice-Rector and Principal of Don Bosco College, Yadagiri, Karnataka.

With experience in formation, education, institutional administration and provincial leadership, Fr Koonan’s appointment marks a new chapter in the animation and governance of the Bangalore Province as it continues its Salesian mission among young people in Karnataka and Kerala.