Nairobi, Kenya – August 6, 2023 – On 6 August, Fr George Tharaniyil was installed as the sixth provincial of the Salesian province of Eastern Africa (AFE) in a colourful ceremony at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Don Bosco Upper Hill, Nairobi. There were about 40 priests, the majority being Salesians concelebrated in the Eucharist, which was presided over by Fr Michael Karikunnel, representing the Rector Major. A notable presence was Bro. Jean Paul Muller, the Economer General of the Congregation. In the lengthy colourful service, FMA, Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMI), Salesian past pupils, Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB), who were having their Africa Regional Conference in Nairobi, Catholic Women’s Association (CWA) of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians whose Patron Fr George was, and many friends of Don Bosco were present for the occasion. In his homily, Fr Michael showed how a Christian leader should be. Firstly, he said, “It requires discipleship, that is to go with Him and to learn what he did in His time; it is imitating Christ, putting on the new person, arming yourself with the mind of Christ, one who tries to be like Christ in everything; and secondly leadership.” He went on to describe Christ as a model leader. “The qualities of Christ leader are; absolutely human, respecter of all people, a true friend, a universal lover, Service and finally an Iconoclastic (image breaking) leader.” He stressed that “All the qualities of a leader start with C: Compassion, courage, confidence, command, charisma- attraction, communication ability, care, conviction, and clarity. Jesus had all these in him. One aspect he stressed most was being a servant leader as Christ was. And he said, “WHAT IS THE NEXT SIX-YEAR PLAN FOR THE AFE PROVINCE: Holiness and sanctity of every confrere.”
In his response during his address Fr Tharaniyil repeated the same sentiments, saying that his team would serve the province and the young. He asked the parishioners present to hold us Salesians accountable.
Before the end of the Mass, there were speeches from the old provincial Fr. Simon Asira and his team and the new team.