The Salesian Province of Kolkata has entered the final and most significant phase of its Centenary Celebrations with the arrival of the 11th Successor of Don Bosco, the Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, Rev. Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB. He arrived in Kolkata in the early hours of 5 February to begin a 13-day animation visit to the South Asia region. The Province of Guwahati welcomes the Rector Major to the Region.
Fr. Fabio Attard reached Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport from Rome, where he was accorded a warm and enthusiastic welcome by a large gathering of Don Bosco Past Pupils and Salesian confreres. Present to receive him were Rev. Fr. Biju Michael, Regional Councillor for South Asia; Rev. Fr. Sunil Kerketta, Vice Provincial of Kolkata; Rev. Fr. Jijo John, Provincial Economer, along with several members of the wider Salesian Family.
From the airport, the Rector Major was escorted to the Provincial House amidst songs, greetings, and visible expressions of joy from past pupils and Salesians. In the morning, he presided over the Holy Eucharist with the Provincial House community. The celebration was marked by deep joy, fraternity, and gratitude for the rich Salesian mission and legacy in the region.
Later in the day, Fr. Attard met with the Provincial Council, engaging in meaningful dialogue and reflection on the life, challenges, and future mission of the Salesians in eastern India. After a brief period of rest, he departed for Siliguri, where the first phase of the centenary celebrations is being held, marking an important milestone in the Province’s hundred-year journey.
The centenary celebrations commemorate the arrival of the first Salesians in Calcutta on 11 November 1925, led by Monsignor Louis Mathias, along with Fr. Paolo Bonardi, Fr. Giuseppe Gil, and Br. Pietro Aprile. Their mission began immediately upon arrival as they took charge of the Catholic Orphan Press and the Cathedral Parish on their very first night in the city, laying the foundation for a century of dedicated service to the young and the poor in the region.
