A Province in Reflection and Renewal
The Rectors’ Meeting began on Thursday, 11 June, with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 9:00 a.m., entrusting the Province and its leadership to the Lord.
In his opening address, the Provincial, Fr. Don Bosco Lourdusamy, presented a clear and sincere overview of the current realities of the Province. He brought into focus the various challenges faced, particularly in the legal and administrative spheres, while also outlining the efforts undertaken to address these issues with responsibility, prudence, and transparency. The sessions allowed ample space for interaction, enabling the Rectors to share their concerns and insights in a spirit of shared responsibility and communion.
In the afternoon, Fr. John Alexander, Vice Provincial, animated a session offering practical guidelines on the preparation and implementation of the Salesian Educative Pastoral Plan (SEPP), the strengthening of the Salesian Educative Pastoral Council (SEPC), and the alignment of local community plans with the broader Provincial vision. He also presented the annual calendar of the Province, fostering greater coordination and unity among all the presences.
Strengthening Community Life and Mission
A significant portion of the first day was dedicated to group discussions focusing on key areas vital to Salesian community life and leadership. The confreres reflected on ten important themes: Participation and shared responsibility, Community meetings and animation, Ministry outside the community, Simplicity, moderation, and responsible personal and community expenses, Functioning of the House Council and Community Assembly, Promotion of Salesian vocations, Devotion and spiritual life, Cost centres and financial responsibility, Preparation for the Centenary of Salesian presence in the Diocese of Vellore and Efforts toward self-sufficiency and mission sustainability.
The evening sharing of the group discussions revealed both the vitality and the challenges present in the Province, while reaffirming the commitment to live Don Bosco’s charism authentically and prophetically in today’s context.
A Historic Installation on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart
The second day, 12 June 2026, coincided with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and began with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by the Provincial. During this solemn celebration, Fr. John Alexander was reinstalled as Vice Provincial for a second term, reaffirming the trust placed in his leadership and service to the Province.
In a moment of historic importance, Br. Arunraj Selladurai, SDB, was officially installed as Rector of the Salesian Provincial House, Chennai. His appointment marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first Salesian Brother in South Asia to be appointed Rector. This historic step highlights the richness and complementarity of vocations within the Salesian Congregation and reaffirms the equal dignity and leadership capacity of the Salesian Brother vocation. Br. Arunraj also continues to serve as the Province Secretary and as a member of the Provincial Council.
The installation on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart gave deeper spiritual meaning to the occasion, reminding the confreres that Salesian leadership must be rooted in the compassionate and pastoral Heart of Christ.
Administrative Responsibility and Congregational Vision
The day’s sessions continued with Fr. John Britto, Provincial Economer, who offered practical and essential guidance on administrative matters. His presentation focused on financial accountability, maintenance of accounts, statutory compliance, government regulations, proper documentation, and responsible stewardship—fundamental elements for ensuring transparency and sustainability in every Salesian house.
The Province’s connection with the wider Congregation was strengthened through subsequent presentationa and sharing. Fr. Pathiaraj Rayappan and Fr. Alphonse Philip shared insights from the Course for Formators held in Rome and at Colle Don Bosco, reflecting on the renewal of formation processes and presenting aspects of the new Ratio.
Fr. Stalin Dhanaraj and Br. Arunraj Selladurai presented highlights from the international meeting of Youth Ministry Delegates held in Rome, emphasizing global perspectives on evangelization and pastoral accompaniment of young people.
Later, Fr. Edwin Vasanthan, Director of SURABI, offered valuable insights into the Development Office of the Province, outlining strategies aimed at mission sustainability and responsible resource mobilization.
In the afternoon, the Vice Provincial and the Province Secretaries provided important information regarding protocols, appointments, and administrative procedures for the year ahead. The meeting concluded with final reflections and guidelines from the Provincial, encouraging the Rectors to animate their communities with zeal, clarity of vision, and pastoral charity.
Leadership from the Heart of Christ
The 2026 Rectors’ Meeting of the Chennai Province was marked by openness, responsibility, and fraternal communion. Above all, the historic installation of Br. Arunraj Selladurai stands as a sign of hope and renewal for the Province and the wider Salesian Congregation.
On the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Province was reminded that authentic Salesian leadership flows from a heart configured to Christ—humble, courageous, and wholly dedicated to the service of the young, especially the poorest and most in need.
