The community of the Provincial House gathered on 01 March 2026 around Rev Fr Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial, to thank God for the precious gift of his life and dedicated service to the Congregation and the Province. The celebration began with the Holy Mass, solemnly presided over by the birthday celebrant himself.

In his introduction to the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Provincial expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for the gift of life and vocation. With humility and deep faith, he thanked the Lord for His abiding presence throughout his journey as a Salesian and prayed earnestly for the Province, for every confrere, and for the various missions entrusted to their care. He invoked God’s blessings upon all communities, works, and collaborators who share in the Salesian mission of educating and evangelizing the young.

Basing his reflection on the Gospel, Fr. Sebastian invited the confreres to contemplate the profound “mountain experience” of Peter, James, and John. He explained that the Transfiguration is not merely a spectacular event of Jesus shining in glory, but a revelation of His true identity and a preparation for the scandal of the Cross.

He further reflected that Peter’s desire to build three tents symbolizes our human tendency to cling to consoling experiences. However, the Christian vocation calls us to descend from the mountain and return to the plains, to the everyday realities of ministry, community life, and service to the young. The true fruit of prayer is not escape, but renewed commitment.

Concluding his homily, Fr. Sebastian encouraged the confreres to cultivate trust in Jesus, especially in challenging moments of the Province. Just as the disciples were strengthened by their encounter on the mountain, so too must the confreres draw strength from prayer, fraternity, and the Eucharist. “When we trust Him completely,” he affirmed, “He reveals His glory in our lives and transforms even our struggles into moments of grace.”

After the Holy Mass, the confreres gathered around the Provincial to extend their heartfelt birthday wishes. The atmosphere was one of gratitude, fraternity, and joy.

On behalf of all present and the confreres of the Province, Alex Kattakayam expressed warm words of appreciation and filial affection. He thanked Fr. Sebastian for his dedicated leadership, pastoral concern, and fatherly guidance. Assuring him of the prayers and support of the entire Province, he wished him good health, wisdom, and continued zeal in shepherding the Province.