Rev Fr Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial along with Fr Biju Michael SDB, Regional South Asia and the two delegates Rev Fr Joy and Rev Fr Nicodim infront of Don Bosco's home at Vecchi.
Rev Fr Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial and the two delegates from our Province along with the members of the General Chapter 29 went on a pilgrimage to Colle Don Bosco, the symbolic place of Salesian origins.
Despite the cold temperature of -1°C, the welcome was warm, thanks to the dedication of the resident Salesian community, supported by a dozen volunteers. The director of the community, Fr. Vijaya Thathireddy, greeted them with these meaningful words: “You have returned home; we were all born here. Here there is a father, and we are all brothers.”
In 1942, the then Rector Major Fr. Pietro Ricaldone chose this location to safeguard the relics of Don Bosco, St. Joseph Cafasso, St. Dominic Savio, and St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello, protecting them from World War II. This place, he recalled, is “a space saturated with holiness,” capable of inspiring reflection on the challenges and aspirations of young people, on new forms of poverty, and on how they manifest themselves.
The Chapter participants, divided into six language groups, visited the sites of the “Salesian cradle,” where Don Bosco was born, raised, and matured in his vocation. For many, the itinerary awakened memories of previous visits, but for all, it was an invitation to live the present responsibly and make significant decisions for the future of the Congregation.
The highlight of the day was the Eucharistic celebration in the Temple of Don Bosco, described as an “ark of salvation,” with the large statue of the Risen Christ welcoming the faithful with open arms. During the homily, Fr. Pascual Chávez, Rector Major Emeritus, offered a reflection to conclude the three intense days of spiritual retreat that he himself had guided in Valdocco.
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