The Province organised its annual Animation Programme for Rectors and In-charges of Communities on October 9, 2026 at Mario Hall, Provincial House, Panbazar. The programme brought together the leaders of various Salesian communities to reflect on their responsibilities, deepen their understanding of the Congregation’s priorities, and renew their commitment to the Salesian mission.
In his welcome address, Rev. Fr Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial, extended a warm welcome to the Rectors and community leaders, acknowledging their dedication and contribution to carrying forward the mission of the Province in their respective apostolic settings. He highlighted their significant role in the Church’s mission of evangelisation and education, particularly in serving young people and those entrusted to their care.
The Provincial emphasised that the annual gathering was an important occasion to animate the community leaders in the light of the newly promulgated Ratio Fundamentalis, which came into effect in 2026, and the priorities emerging from the 29th and 28th General Chapters of the Salesian Congregation. He also drew attention to the Mission Poverty Eradication initiative of the South Asian region, which calls for a renewed commitment to the poor and the marginalised.
Reflecting on the challenge of poverty eradication, Fr Sebastian cautioned against becoming overly concerned with maintaining existing structures at the expense of the mission they were established to serve. He urged the community leaders to examine whether their institutions, resources and apostolic activities were genuinely contributing to alleviating poverty, improving people’s living conditions and reaching out to the most abandoned. He noted that the community audit was an opportunity to strengthen this awareness and ensure that resources were directed towards the needs of the poor.
The Provincial also highlighted the importance of the 23rd Provincial Chapter, scheduled to be held from March 2 to 6, 2027, at DBI. The Chapter will provide an opportunity for the Province to evaluate the implementation of the priorities of the 29th General Chapter and discern the way forward. Preparations for the Chapter were also identified as an important area for reflection during the gathering.
Referring to Article 176 of the Salesian Constitutions, Fr Sebastian reminded the Rectors that they are entrusted with the responsibility of animating and governing their local communities. He stressed that the vitality, unity and strength of a community depend significantly on the quality of its leadership. A Salesian Rector, he said, is called not to exercise authority in an authoritarian manner but to lead through service, fraternity and collaboration.
“The mission is not our personal property; it is the mission of the Church, the Province and the Congregation,” he emphasised, describing community leaders as stewards and custodians of the mission entrusted to them. He encouraged them to involve every confrere in the life and apostolate of the community, fostering a spirit of shared responsibility and mutual support in fulfilling the mission according to the spirit of Don Bosco.
Fr Sebastian further underlined that consecrated life must remain the foremost concern of every Salesian. Drawing attention to the reminders of the Rector Major, he observed that Salesians are called not merely to undertake apostolic work but to serve as consecrated persons whose lives are centred on Christ. He encouraged the Rectors to give due importance to community prayer, fraternity and moments of togetherness, recognising these as essential elements that sustain both religious life and apostolic effectiveness.
The subsequent sessions included the dissemination of the Ratio Fundamentalis by Rev. Fr Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim SDB, Vice Provincial, followed by a session on Mission Poverty Eradication conducted by Fr Ignatius Gari. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr Marak Pojit, a concluding prayer led by Fr Rabha Paul, and lunch.
