A Jubilee at the Cradle of the Salesian Presence

The day began at 8:30 a.m. with a solemn welcome at Don Bosco Negombo — the cradle of the Salesian presence in Sri Lanka. The occasion was historic: the celebration of 70 years since the Salesians first began their mission on the island, a journey that started precisely from Negombo. The celebration also marked the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, a spiritual landmark for countless faithful. The Jubilee Holy Mass was solemnly presided over by the Rector Major in the presence of Salesian priests, diocesan clergy, Salesian Sisters, youth, members of ADMA, Salesian Cooperators, parents, benefactors, past pupils, staff members, and a large number of devotees. The shrine was filled to capacity, reflecting the deep affection and gratitude of the faithful toward the Salesian mission.

“From Poverty to Holiness”: A Message Rooted in Don Bosco

In his homily, Fr. Attard reflected on the life of Saint John Bosco, presenting him not only as a founder, but as a living inspiration. He recalled how Don Bosco himself came from a poor and humble background, worked tirelessly, and grew into a holy priest fully dedicated to the salvation and education of poor and abandoned young people.

The Rector Major emphasized the transforming power of education and personal formation. Addressing the young people present, he encouraged them to study with dedication, cultivate their talents, and become responsible and compassionate citizens capable of serving society and lifting up those in need. Holiness, he reminded them, is born from daily fidelity, hard work, and love for others. At the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, the Provincial Fr. Roshan Miranda expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to making the Jubilee celebration meaningful and memorable.

Recognizing Achievement and Celebrating Youth

Following the Mass, the Rector Major awarded certificates to several students of Don Bosco Negombo who had successfully completed their vocational training programs. The young graduates received both their National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) certificates and the Don Bosco Technical School certificates — a visible sign of the Salesian commitment to empowering youth through quality education and skills formation.

The morning continued with a lively and inspiring 45-minute question-and-answer session with the youth. The interaction was spontaneous, sincere, and deeply engaging. Many participants later expressed how they felt as though Don Bosco himself was speaking to them through the Rector Major — encouraging them to dream, to persevere, and to remain faithful to their values.

Encounter with the Salesian Family

Fr. Attard then met the various groups of the Salesian Family: the Salesian Sisters, ADMA members, Salesian Cooperators, Salesian parents, benefactors, past pupils, and staff members serving in different Salesian institutions.

In his message, the Rector Major reflected on Don Bosco’s vision of the Salesian Family as a united spiritual movement, called to live communion while serving young people, especially the poorest. He stressed the importance of collaboration, shared responsibility, and fidelity to the charism. A brief but meaningful dialogue followed, allowing participants to express their questions and reflections in a spirit of openness and fraternity. The morning program concluded with a joyful fellowship lunch, marked by gratitude, fraternity, and renewed commitment to the mission.

A Warm Welcome in Ahungalla

In the evening, the Rector Major travelled to the Salesian Postnovitiate in Ahungalla, where he received a warm and vibrant welcome. The oratory children greeted him with colorful traditional dances, expressing the richness of Sri Lankan culture and the joy of the community. Fr. Anthony Fernando, Rector of the community, delivered the welcome address.

A significant moment of the visit was the blessing and inauguration of a newly built garden statue dedicated to Mary, Our Mother. The statue stands as a visible reminder of the community’s Marian devotion and entrustment of their formation journey to her loving guidance.

The children then offered a beautiful cultural performance, filling the evening with music, rhythm, and youthful enthusiasm. The Rector Major addressed the parents and children with a brief but meaningful message, encouraging families to remain united, to nurture faith in their homes, and to support their children’s growth in virtue and responsibility.

The brothers of the Postnovitiate animated the gathering with a heartfelt welcome song in honor of the Rector Major. Later, Fr. Attard met privately with the Salesians of the community, offering words of encouragement and engaging in an open and fraternal session of dialogue and questions.

A day marked by Gratitude and Renewal

The day concluded with a joyful fellowship meal hosted by the Postnovitiate community — a fitting end to a day marked by thanksgiving for the past, enthusiasm for the present, and hope for the future of the Salesian mission in Sri Lanka.

Seventy years after the first Salesians set foot in Negombo, the visit of the Rector Major stands as a sign of continuity and communion — a reminder that the dream of Don Bosco continues to live, grow, and bear fruit among the young people of Sri Lanka.

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