India – Rector Major begins Animation Visit to the New Delhi Province

Arrival and Welcome at the Provincial House

The Rector Major arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport at 12.40 p.m. and later reached the Don Bosco Provincial House (DBPH), Okhla Road, at 1.30 p.m., where he was accorded a warm and traditional Salesian welcome by the Salesians, community, staff, and students. At the main entrance, he was received with the symbolic washing of hands, followed by customary felicitations with a shawl, pagadi, and floral bouquets. A group photograph and community lunch followed, marking the joyful and fraternal beginning of the animation visit in the Province.

Visit to Don Bosco Technical Institutein Okhla Capus

In the afternoon, the Rector Major visited Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI), where nearly 250 students, staff members, and community representatives gathered to welcome him. He paid homage to the newly installed statue of Don Bosco and witnessed a cultural programme that included a prayer dance and student performances.

Addressing the gathering, the Rector Major encouraged the young people and their educators, emphasizing that education is the key to the future and that Salesian institutions uniquely bring together the present and the future by offering meaningful opportunities to young people across cultures and nations.

Reflecting on Don Bosco’s early struggles, he highlighted the enduring relevance of the Salesian Preventive System, stressing care, gentleness, and humaneness in accompanying the young. He reminded educators that young people must always feel loved and supported, noting that former students often return not only to meet Salesians but also to reconnect with teachers who shaped their lives.

Interaction with the Salesian Family

Later in the afternoon, the Rector Major met with around 110 members of the Salesian Family, including Salesian Cooperators and Religious. In his interaction, he highlighted the importance of living the Salesian spirit authentically and fostering communities rooted in the Preventive System. Referring to Don Bosco’s letters to the Salesians in America, he urged everyone to be kind, gentle, and truly human, creating environments where young people feel loved, supported, and accompanied.

Eucharistic Celebration and Evening Encounter

In the evening, the Rector Major presided over the Holy Eucharist at the DBTI Auditorium, celebrated with members of the Salesian Family. In his homily, he reflected on the themes of service, faith, and obedience to God, drawing inspiration from the miracles of Jesus. He encouraged all present to stand with the weak, surrender themselves to God’s will, and serve with humility.

Later, during the evening prayer and Good Night address, the Rector Major met with Rectors, leaders, and confreres of the Delhi region. Rev. Fr. John Davis Maniparamben, the provincial welcomed him with a Taj Mahal memento and a token of love, inviting him to feel at home in the Province and to guide it as Don Bosco himself would have done. He also highlighted the Province’s various educational and social initiatives, including its strategic focus on the tribal region of Ranchi as a future mission priority.

Responding to the gathering, the Rector Major emphasized the need for genuineness, transparency, and accountability in mission and fund utilization, reminding everyone that all resources are ultimately meant for the poor and the young most in need.

The day concluded with fraternity, group photographs with members from different houses, and a community dinner, leaving behind a strong message of hope, authenticity, and renewed commitment to the Salesian mission in the Province of New Delhi.