Rev Fr Mathew Pulingathil SDB, the centenarian Salesian priest, visited the Provincial House, Panbazar, Guwahati on 28 January 2026 and shared an inspiring goodnight talk with the confreres of the Provincial House community.

In his talk, Rev Fr Mathew expressed his joy at returning to the Guwahati Province and witnessing its steady growth over the years. “I am glad to be in the province of Guwahati and it is good to see the growth of the province,” he said, adding with satisfaction, “I am happy that we are united in the name of Don Bosco and Mary Help of Christians.”

Recalling the historical significance of the province, he noted that the Guwahati Province was the first Salesian province in the Northeast. He affirmed that its growth has remained steady and that it has emerged as a strong and vibrant province. In his characteristic frankness, he remarked that the province has now become “a proprietor of the provinces of the Northeast,” acknowledging its leadership and responsibility in the region.

Drawing inspiration from the life and mission of St John Bosco, Rev Fr Mathew reminded the confreres that Don Bosco began his mission in South America and succeeded because of his deep zeal for souls. He cautioned the congregation against the dangers of complacency, warning that one of the greatest threats is “taking things easy” and following personal plans rather than the plan of Don Bosco.

He concluded his talk with words of blessing and encouragement: “May God continue to bless our congregation and may it spread to the whole world! We need to surrender to God’s works.” Urging the confreres to deepen their Marian devotion, he added, “Like Don Bosco who entrusted his works to Mary Help of Christians, so too we need to entrust ourselves to Mary, and we will see great miracles.”