NEWS
Dr. Bastin Nellissery (INK)
On the evening of 13 February, the Rector Major visited Don Bosco Beatitudes, a Social Welfare Centre, as it marked the Diamond Jubilee of its establishment. For the past sixty years, the centre has been lovingly catering to the needs of people from the womb to the tomb. While addressing the gathering, the Rector Major exhorted those present: “Never stop believing in the future of our young people. They deserve it, and it is our duty to accompany and help them, even when it is difficult. This will ensure a good future for them. We need to be like Don Bosco — believing in them, educating them, and preparing them for their future.” His message resonated deeply with the founding vision of the devoted Salesian missionaries who built up the centre, Fr. Montovani and Fr. Schlooz, who firmly believed that “No one has the right to be happy alone.”
The Salesian Province of Chennai (INM) experienced a landmark occasion on February 13, as it welcomed the Rector Major, Rev. Fr. Fabio Attard, for his maiden visit. The historic journey began with a warm, fraternal reception at the Chennai Airport by the Provincial and his Council, followed by an equally heartfelt welcome at the Salesian Provincial House. The atmosphere was one of profound joy as a vibrant assembly of confreres and members of the Salesian Family gathered to greet him. A spirited group of young people from Don Bosco Arts & Science College added to the festive energy, expressing their filial affection through a joyous felicitation. Fr. Fabio was joined on this significant visit by Fr. Biju Michael, General Councillor for South Asia, and Fr. Thathireddy, Secretary to the Rector Major.
The Radio Club of Salesian College Autonomous, Siliguri, marked its first anniversary with the launch of Open Stage, a digital public platform designed to give individuals an accessible space for expression. The initiative went live on the eve of World Radio Day, aligning with UNESCO’s global observance that celebrates radio as a medium of dialogue, freedom of expression, and community connection.
The Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, the 11th Successor of John Bosco, visited the Don Bosco Youth Centre, Hesag, Hatia, Ranchi, bringing together youth and members of the Salesian Family from across the Chhotanagpur region for a spiritually enriching and mission-oriented gathering.
A historic chapter was inscribed in the annals of Don Bosco School, Gumla, as the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, laid the foundation stone for a new extension of the school building during his visit to India. The ceremony, held amid the institution’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, marked a defining moment of hope, vision, and renewed commitment to quality education for the region's youth.
Demonstrating its stature as a leading centre of vocational training, Don Bosco Centre for Learning (DBCL), Kurla, hosted the prestigious India Skills 2025 | Maharashtra State Finals on February 3–4, 2026. The competition was organized by the Maharashtra State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in strategic partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Skill India Initiative.
Don Bosco Avsar, Matunga, Mumbai, organized two career-oriented seminars at St. Joseph’s School Hall, Wadala (W), as part of its ongoing “Classroom to Careers” February series, aimed at preparing young people for the evolving demands of the professional world. The sessions attracted strong participation from undergraduate college students, as well as several working youth and parish members.
Don Bosco Kokar witnessed a moment of profound spiritual significance when Fr. Fabio Attard, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, arrived on February 11, 2026, to inaugurate his visitation to the Chottanagpur Region.
Salesian Family Day 2026 was celebrated with joy and fervour at the Provincial House, Odxel, on February 8, bringing together 130 members of the Salesian Family in a vibrant expression of communion, faith, and shared mission. Fathers, Sisters, Salesian Cooperators, ADMA members, Past Pupils, young people, and families gathered in a spirit of unity that marked the annual celebration.
The Delhi Don Bosco Ashalayam community was privileged to welcome the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Fr. Fabio Attard, on 11 February, during a brief yet deeply inspiring visit that radiated fraternity and renewed Salesian zeal.
Holy Child Auxilium School, Vasant Vihar, was graced with a moment of profound joy and spiritual renewal as it welcomed the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, on February 11. The visit marked a significant occasion for the entire Auxilian family.
The SPCI House, New Delhi, had the distinct honour of welcoming the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, on the evening of 10 February. His visit marked a significant moment of grace and animation for the Salesian community and the various regional networks operating from the Secretariat of the Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia (SPCSA).
The AMRAT Network (Gujarat Region) observed the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking with a large-scale awareness programme at the Pastoral Centre, Nadiad, drawing 180 participants in a united stand against modern-day slavery. The gathering included 30 religious sisters and 150 women and youth, reflecting a strong community response to the urgent call for vigilance and action against human trafficking.
The Bal Mela was joyfully celebrated on February 8, at Don Bosco Sutgatti, Hubballi, with the enthusiastic participation of 220 children from four centres and migrant communities. The campus came alive with laughter, colour, and vibrant energy as children gathered to celebrate their childhood in a spirit of unity and joy.
Fr. Dr. Josekutty Thomas, SDB, a Salesian priest of the Province of Dimapur, was honoured with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) National-Level Award 2026 for his outstanding contribution to biblical scholarship and digital evangelization. The award was jointly conferred on Fr. Josekutty and Dr. Thomson Philip Vadakeyil of Eloit Innovations, India, for their collaborative work in developing and promoting the BibleOn mobile application and website.












