Rev. Fr. Biju Michael SDB, Regional Councillor for South Asia, together with Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial, and the Rectors and Leaders of Communities, during the Rectors and Leaders of Communities Meet at the Provincial House, Guwahati.
The Province hosted the Rectors and Community Leaders Meeting on Wednesday, 27th August 2025, at the Provincial House, Panbazar. The gathering brought together Salesian leaders of the province under the theme “Passionate for Jesus Christ, Dedicated to the Young.”
The meeting commenced at 10:00 a.m. with an opening prayer led by Fr. Markus Lakra SDB, setting a reflective tone for the day’s proceedings. This was followed by the lighting of the lamp, a symbolic gesture of invoking divine blessings, Rev Fr. Biju Michael, Regional Councillor for South Asia, Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal (Provincial), Fr. Jayaprakash (Economer), and others lighted the lamp.
In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial, extended a warm greeting to all present and highlighted the significance of the meeting in strengthening leadership, communion, and mission across the Province. A special felicitation was accorded to Rev. Fr. Biju Michael SDB on his reappointment as the Regional Councillor for South Asia for a second term. Students of Don Bosco School, Panbazar, added colour to the celebration by congratulating him with a cultural gesture – he was presented an Assamese gamocha and bouquet of flowers marking the joyous occasion.
The first animation session, led by Fr. Biju Michael SDB, focused on key themes of Salesian life and mission, drawing from the recently formulated Six-Year Plan for the South Asia Region (2025–2031). Fr Biju said that “the plan focuses on the primacy of Christ, fraternal community life, preferential option for the poor, renewal of formation, collaboration with laity and the Salesian Family, and youth accompaniment in the digital era. Strategic initiatives include poverty eradication programmes, the South Asia Animation Campus at DBRC, Bengaluru, and exploring the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence in education and pastoral ministry. Despite concerns over vocational decline and safeguarding needs, the plan positions of the South Asia region is as vital and dynamic force for the global Salesian mission.”
After a brief coffee break at 11:30 a.m., the session continued until 1:00 p.m. by Rev Fr Biju encouraged the rectors and leaders to renew the centrality of Christ in their lives, strengthen fraternal community living, and remain ever committed to serving the poor and the young, especially in today’s rapidly changing socio-cultural environment. His insights were met with great interest and enthusiasm from the participants. delving deeper into pastoral challenges, opportunities for collaboration, and the role of Salesians in the digital and educational frontiers.
Post-lunch, the business sessions resumed, beginning with a presentation on Young at Risk (YaR) by Rev. Fr. Joe Prabu SDB, National YAR Coordinator, introduced by Fr. Punit Lakra. The talk highlighted the urgent need for greater interventions to safeguard vulnerable youth, address issues of marginalisation, and ensure holistic education and care.
This was followed by a crucial update on the Financial Situation of the Province by Rev. Fr. Jayaprakash Anthonimuthu SDB, Economer, who outlined the economic realities and sustainability measures for the mission. His presentation underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and creative resource management to sustain the Province’s works.
The day’s proceedings concluded with remarks and exhortation by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, who encouraged all leaders to remain faithful to their calling, work in unity, and foster a spirit of co-responsibility in carrying forward the mission of Don Bosco. The meeting ended with a concluding prayer by Fr. Johnson Parackal SDB and a moment of thanksgiving, followed by tea at 4:05 p.m. Rev. Fr. Francis Kalariparampil SDB anchored the entire day’s programme.
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