An Extraordinary and Symbolic Visit

The presence of the Rector Major during the centenary year carries deep spiritual and symbolic meaning. Visits of Don Bosco’s successors are rare and significant moments in the life of a Province. They offer encouragement, guidance, and renewed clarity of mission. For the Salesians and the wider Salesian Family in Kolkata Province, this visit will reaffirm the living bond between local communities and the heart of the Salesian charism.

A Century of Salesian Presence and Mission

Over the past hundred years, the Salesian charism has taken deep root in eastern India through education, pastoral ministry, and social outreach. The centenary is not merely a remembrance of institutions or milestones, but a celebration of lives transformed, vocations nurtured, and generations of young people accompanied with care, faith, and hope, especially those who are poor and marginalized.

A Visit Marked by Listening, Closeness, and Communion

The Rector Major’s visit will unfold across Kolkata, Siliguri, and Azimganj, reflecting the geographical and pastoral breadth of the Province in a distinctly Salesian style, characterized by closeness and attentive listening. Encounters with Salesians, members of the Salesian Family, young people, educators, and lay collaborators will provide moments of shared reflection and dialogue.

The programme will begin on 5 February in Kolkata with a meeting with the Provincial Council, setting the tone for reflection and shared discernment. He will then travel to Siliguri, where he will meet young people of Don Bosco School and Salesian College, share informal moments with students, and participate in an encounter with members of the Salesian Family and past pupils, highlighting the intergenerational continuity of the Salesian mission.

On 6 and 7 February, the visit will continue with encounters with Salesians, Educative and Pastoral Communities, and members of the Salesian Family, culminating in significant Eucharistic celebrations. A particularly meaningful moment will be the Eucharistic Celebration at Azimganj on 7 February, where the homily will be translated into Santhali, reaching the hearts of the local faithful. This will be followed by cultural immersion and interaction with members of the Salesian Family, Religious, priests, and prenovices at Savio Bhavan.

The centenary celebrations will reach their high point on 8 February in Kolkata, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration and a concluding cultural programme at Don Bosco Park Circus, including a message from the Rector Major to a wider audience, before the conclusion of the visit.

Looking Beyond the Centenary

The centenary celebrations, crowned by the visit of the Rector Major, are not intended to foster nostalgia. Instead, they point decisively toward the future. The Province will continue to renew its commitment to quality and inclusive education, vibrant youth and parish ministry, collaboration with the laity, and a preferential love for the poorest young people. With gratitude for the past and confidence in God’s guidance, the Salesian Province of Kolkata looks ahead to its next century of mission, strengthened by the presence and encouragement of the Successor of Don Bosco.