Salesians in India begin their centenary
celebrations BANGALORE: 28th December 2005 --
The Salesian presence in India is now one hundred
years old. The first batch of Salesians, destined for Tanjore in Tamil
Nadu, India,
embarked from Genoa
on December 17, 1905 on board the steamer Rubattino. On 5 January
of the following year they landed at Bombay. After a week in Bombay, the
group proceeded to Tanjore to begin their pioneering work in the
orphanage there. The first batch of Salesians from different nations,
three priests, a cleric, a brother, and an aspirant, was led by Fr.
George Tomatis. The one hundred years of their presence in India is marked by celebrations that
were begun in February 2005 at New
Delhi. As a part of the centenary celebrations, a
research seminar is being conducted for the Salesian Family members at KristuJyotiCollege
from January 1-5, 2006. Approximately one hundred and fifty
participants are expected to take part, drawn from SDB, FMA, SMI,
MSMHC, Salesian Co-operators, and Past Pupils. Research papers on
various aspects of Salesian life will be presented. The seminar is to
take stock of the past and propose adequate strategies for the future
life and mission of the Salesians in India. In view of this
research seminar, there have already been local zone research seminars
organised during this year past, 2005, on five important topics of
Salesian life: catechesis and evangelisation, education, youth
ministry, communication media, and Salesian formation.
A Thanksgiving prayer service will begin in
all Salesian communities in India on January 5, 2006, the day on
which the first batch of Salesians landed in India. From then onwards,
all Salesian communities will be united in prayer and re dedication of
their life and mission. On February 6, 2006, this will
culminate in the re commitment to theirfuture
mission and life. The centenary celebration will climax at Tanjore, the
first launching pad of Salesian missions and life in India
on February 6 in the presence of the Rector Major of the Salesians and
the Salesian Family, Fr. Pascal Chavez.
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