A Call to Authentic Witness
The day began at SIGA – The Rinaldi Juniorate Salesian Community, where the Rector Major led a meditation for the confreres. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of the day, he invited the Salesians to accompany young people not through mere activism or control, but through a credible witness to the nearness of the Kingdom of God. Such witness, he explained, is rooted in prayerful presence, evangelical poverty, and compassionate service. His reflection gently yet firmly recalled the confreres to the heart of their vocation.
Following breakfast, Fr Attard met with the Rectors and leaders of the Province. In a spirit of open dialogue, he emphasized the centrality of faith as the foundation of every apostolic endeavour. He urged the Salesians not only to love Don Bosco but to know him deeply, highlighting the importance of a mature understanding of the Salesian charism in shaping both identity and mission.
Referring to Pope Francis, he observed that the Church is living not simply in an era of change, but in a “change of era,” marked by profound cultural shifts. In this context, he encouraged the leaders to approach the present moment with hope and creativity, describing it as a grace-filled time to live consecrated life with renewed authenticity. Just as Don Bosco responded courageously to the challenges of his time under the guidance of the Spirit, today’s Salesians are called to be original witnesses rather than mere repetitions of the past.
He further stressed that formation takes place within the concrete reality of community life and mission. Citing Fr Dominic Veliath, he reaffirmed that the Congregation flourishes when it is guided by “men of God”—a quality that the Church and society in India rightly expect from the Salesians.
First CDB Profession in South Asia
At 11:30 a.m., the Rector Major presided over the Holy Eucharist with members of the Salesian Family, during which the first Volunteer Con Don Bosco (CDB) in India made his First Profession. The celebration marked a historic milestone for the Province and the Region.
In his homily, Fr Attard reflected on the biblical experience of the “desert” as a privileged place of encounter with God. Such moments of interior depth, he noted, enable consecrated persons to accompany those who experience desolation—especially young people—toward renewed hope and closeness to God. “With conviction,” he reminded the faithful, “when we give, we increase what we have.”
The Eucharistic celebration became a profound moment of grace, as the Rector Major invoked God’s abundant blessings upon the Province and the entire Salesian Family. This historic profession stands as a renewed call to live the Salesian vocation with authenticity, depth, and joyful generosity.
— Fr John Britto and Fr Anto John (INM)
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