Day one of the Congress began with the inaugural Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop A.M. Chinnappa Malayappan SDB. Rev. Br. Joseph Das introduced the President of the celebration and Rev. Fr. Amalraj Soosai, the Provincial of Trichy gave a short introduction to the Eucharist inviting the participants to reflect with the mind of St. John Bosco, our father and founder, as it was the last day of the month. The Archbishop began his homily by stating, ``If the Salesian congregation is so rich, it is because of you brothers. The simple lifestyle you lead and the hard work you put in has made Salesian South Asia what it is today.`` He invited the brothers to appreciate their own Salesian vocation which is second to none. He proposed St. Paul as a model to be imitated in their ministry, missionary enterprises and identity. Reflecting on the gospel he said, ``Everyone is equal in the vineyard of the Lord. So there is no reason to feel inferior or superior to anyone.`` Finally, he stated that there cannot be a Christian spirituality without commitment to the marginalized, and hence the need to recommit ourselves to work for the poor and the marginalized without feeling ashamed of the calumny we may have to face. After breakfast, the participants of the Congress gathered at Deepagam hall at 9.15 a.m. for the 1st session of the day. The Liturgy committee led the prayer through a multimedia presentation. Br. Sagayaraj INT introduced Br. Joseph Das INM who was to present the Keynote address. Rev. Br. Paulos moderated the session. Br. Joseph Das, started his keynote address by quoting Bishop Cantillias, a Salesian Bishop in Philippines who said, ``It is high time you stop searching for your identity as Salesian Brothers. You have an identity. Start responding vigourously to your call as Brothers.`` Further, Br. Joseph Das dwelt upon the New Challenges, and possible responses to the challenges in the field of Education and Culture through the charism of Don Bosco especially through the spirituality of the preventive system. He concluded by inviting all the members of the Congress to make the best use of the Congress to come out with practical suggestions to cope with the New challenges that the Salesian Brothers face today. The keynote address was followed by some clarification of ideas and, complementing and confirming of certain views. The Second session of the day began at 10.45 a.m. after the coffee break. Br. T.V. Johnny introduced Rev. Fr. Antonyraj, the Principal of Sacred Heart College, Tirupatur. With the help of the powerpoint presentation Fr. Antonyraj, expounded on ``Salesian Brothers and the Socio-Economic challenges of the New World.`` After ascertaining the relevance of the theme, he went on to present the context of South Asian youth beginning with Sri Lanka and then of India. While enumerating several challenges, he dwelt at length on corruption and its enormous consquences. He also suggested ways and means by which Salesian Brothers could join Anti-corruption movements and bring about transformation in the Society. At the end of the talk he presented 5 questions for group discussion. Subsequently, the whole assembly was divided into 10 groups and each group was given a question to discuss. The discussions ended at 12.30 p.m. And it was time for lunch. At 2.30 p.m. the afternoon session saw the secretaries of various groups reporting the points discussed in groups. Rev. Fr. Antonyraj intervened at regular intervals to highlight and stress certain salient points. The session ended at 3.15 p.m. Rev. Fr. Berger then presented a multimedia show regarding the Post Novitiate house Don Bosco Vidyaniketan at Kalyani. It was followed by a lively sharing session by Rev. Br. T.V. Mathew. Br. T.V. Mathew who is part of many government commissions that deal with the technical education sector, gave a brief history of how, what the Salesians pioneered as short terms courses for dropouts, was adapted by the Government and how the Salesian institutes won the confidence and the favour of the Government. He also brought to the notice of the congress members that after the government, the biggest vocational training institute in India is Don Bosco. There were few questions and clarifications after that sharing by Br. Mathew. The participants dispersed for tea. In the evening at 5.30 p.m. Br. Edwin Arokiadoss INT, presented a report on the Diploma Course in Theology for Salesian Brothers taught at SHTC, Shillong. It was immediately followed by Fr. Berger presenting an account of the Magistero Course conducted at Vidyaniketan. He began with the Historical origins of Don Bosco Vidyaniketan, then went on to explain the requirements of the Formation of the Salesians of Don Bosco pertaining to the Post Novitiate Formation of the Salesian Brother. Finally, he gave a systematic presentation of the challenges that lie ahead and the areas to be attended to. Soon after that presentation, Rev. Br. Claudio Marangio and Rev. Fr. Maria Arokia Kanaga were invited to share their views and answer the questions raised by brothers on various issues. The questions were centered mainly on the visibility of the Salesian brother, vocation promotion, and formation. Many brothers took active part in the discussions. At 7.15 p.m. Rev. Fr. Michael, the Provincial elect of Delhi, animated the thanksgiving adoration for the year 2008. After the Adoration, the congress members left for Don Bosco, Perambur for Supper. Rev. Br. P.K. Antony who has served more than 40 years as an Adminstrator was honored at Perambur. Br. Savio D` Mello INB conducted a short fun-filled ceremony of the burning of the old man, heralding the dawn of the new year 2009. With that the proceedings of the day came to and end.