In the opening session, Fr. Biju challenged rectors, parish priests, and confreres: “Quo Vadis INC?”—Where is the province heading in the next century?<\/p>\n
Calling the visitation an opportunity for reflection and renewal, Fr. Biju urged the province to look beyond its past and critically examine its future. His fourfold framework included: understanding current realities; evaluating community life and financial stewardship; listening to young people; and ensuring strong implementation in the years ahead. Key takeaways are: assess the present, review internal practices, engage youth voices, and commit to effective follow-through.<\/p>\n
Fr. Biju highlighted the six-year priorities for the congregation and region. Key global takeaways: centre Christ, build pastoral skills, address AI challenges in education, and support the Salesian University. Regional takeaways: strengthen community, help marginalised youth, collaborate with lay partners, and guide youth in digital spaces.<\/p>\n
The day began with an invocation of the Holy Spirit, followed by a welcome from Provincial Fr. Sunil Kerketta. Calling the visitation a timely pause for discernment, Fr. Kerketta encouraged the confreres to listen to God, their collaborators, and especially to the young.<\/p>\n
Fr. Eugene Kujur, Rector of Don Bosco Bharoul Chakraghatty, Nepal, read Articles 126 and 127 of the Salesian Constitutions, providing a constitutional foundation for the gathering. Fr. Biju then led an interactive session on the history of the province and the South Asia Region, followed by a presentation on the visitation objectives.<\/p>\n
At noon, Fr. Biju celebrated the inaugural Holy Eucharist. In his homily, he emphasised the Gospel’s call to perfection as personal transformation over mere activity. He urged the confreres to focus on “becoming” rather than “doing” or “having,” reminding them that the Salesian charism must be lived authentically and expressed through good works.<\/p>\n
After lunch, Fr. Biju met with Provincial Council members. The next action is visiting Don Bosco Samthar in Kalimpong, beginning the engagement phase of the visitation.<\/p>\n
The province’s second century begins with the central question, “Quo Vadis INC?”, focusing reflection and action on defining its mission for young people in the region.<\/p>\n