The Regional Meeting of the BTR Region was held at St Francis D’ Sales Parish, Barpeta Road, on 16 June 2026, bringing together 27 Salesian Fathers and Brother from the region for a day of reflection, animation, and planning. The meeting was presided over by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal, SDB, Provincial, and was attended by Fr. Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim, SDB, Vice Provincial; Fr. Anthonimuthu Jayaprakash, SDB, Provincial Economer; and the confreres of the BTR Region.

The gathering commenced with a Hymn to the Holy Spirit and a prayer led by Fr. Jerbasius Xalxo, SDB. Welcoming the participants, Fr. Jonas Toppo, SDB, Rector and Parish Priest of St. Francis D’ Sales Parish, Barpeta Road, expressed his joy at hosting the Regional Meeting and assured everyone of the community’s hospitality.

In his keynote address, Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal, SDB, Provincial, reminded the participants that the true strength of the Salesian mission lies not merely in the works carried out but in the identity of the Salesian as a consecrated person. Referring to the Salesian Constitutions, he emphasized that Salesians are called first and foremost to live as disciples of Christ and to work together as members of a community for the salvation and holistic development of young people.

The Provincial observed that while many organizations today are engaged in education, evangelization, and social service, the distinctive contribution of the Salesians lies in their charism, community life, and commitment to accompanying the young. He stressed that Salesians are not merely administrators, principals, or managers, but consecrated religious whose mission is rooted in their relationship with God and their fidelity to Don Bosco’s charism.

Highlighting the importance of community life, Fr. Sebastian urged the confreres to foster greater communication, collaboration, and shared responsibility within their communities. He cautioned against individualism and encouraged everyone to remain faithful to the mission entrusted to the Province and the Church. He further noted that the Salesian mission remains relevant today because of its unique focus on young people, especially those who are poor and vulnerable.

A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation by Fr. Ignatius Gari, SDB, Executive Director of Bosco Reach Out, on Mission Poverty Eradication (MPE). He emphasized the need for every Salesian community and institution to make a conscious effort to reach out to the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society. The presentation challenged participants to evaluate whether their ministries and programmes genuinely touch the lives of those most in need.

The participants also reviewed the findings of the Community Audit 2025 and discussed the framework for the Community Audit 2026. The discussions focused on assessing whether the initiatives and services of Salesian parishes and institutions effectively reach the poor and marginalized. It was reiterated that the primary objective of the Community Audit is to create awareness among communities and the Province regarding the mission, while ensuring that services are evaluated on the basis of their actual impact on people’s lives.

The gathering also went through the Way Forward of the recently concluded Symposium celebrating the 150 Years of the Missionary Expedition and discussed points relevant to the region. This was followed by a sharing session by the communities and a discussion on the concerns of the region. The discussion was moderated by Fr. Abhilash Vadakkekara, SDB, Principal of Don Bosco College, Chapaguri.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen the Salesian mission among the poor and young. The Regional Meeting ended with a concluding prayer led by Bro. Paul Makri, SDB, followed by fellowship and lunch, strengthening the bonds of fraternity and collaboration among the Salesians of the BTR Region.