Traditional Welcome and Site Visit
Fr Attard arrived in the evening and was warmly received at the main gate by the youth of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh along with members of the Salesian Family. The Mahila Sangh of Christ the King Parish welcomed him with the traditional washing of hands. Fr Pradeep Kumar Tirkey, head of the institution, formally received him with a bouquet of flowers, while parish youth escorted him to the residence with a traditional dance. The rector major and other superiors had Tea and visited the campus.
Encounter with the Youth
At 5:00 p.m., nearly 300 young people gathered in the parish church for an interaction with the Rector Major. In his address, he urged them to take responsibility for their lives and future, to give witness through lives marked by love and joy, to place Jesus at the centre of their lives, and to show concern for the poor. The meeting concluded with a time of interaction and a photo session.
Meeting with Pre-Novices
The Rector Major then met the nine pre-novices and their formation team. He emphasized the importance of nurturing a personal relationship with Jesus and remaining open to spiritual direction. The session provided a moment of encouragement and guidance for those in initial formation.
Address to the Salesian Family
At 7:00 p.m., members of the Salesian Family gathered in the school hall, including Salesians, Salesian Sisters and novices, SMI Sisters, MHMHC Sisters, Disciple Brothers and Sisters, Salesian Cooperators, and ADMA members. Following a welcome song by the Cooperators and a formal reception with traditional honours, the Rector Major addressed the assembly.
Reflecting on the Strenna, he called for solidarity with the poor and reminded those present that Salesian ministry must be lived in a family spirit and firmly rooted in God. He noted as a source of consolation the steady growth of the Salesian Family, while also acknowledging the challenge of reaching the many young people still in need of accompaniment. The evening concluded with interaction, group photographs, and dinner.
Departure
On 13 February 2026, after early morning tea, the Rector Major imparted the blessing of Mary Help of Christians to the Salesians in the chapel. At 5:45 a.m., he departed for the airport, accompanied by the Provincial, the Economer, and other confreres, thus concluding his visit to Hesag.
{gallery}INN – Visita Hesag RM 2026{/gallery}
