India – Meeting of senior Salesians from the Province of Chennai
Chennai, India – July 2023 – A meeting of senior Salesians from the Province of India-Chennai (INM) took place from 27 to 29 July. The event, organised at the headquarters of the INM Province by Fr John Alexander, INM Vice-Provincial, was attended by Salesians aged between 70 and 93 years or age, to celebrate their lives and their blessings in an atmosphere of faith, fraternity and gratitude. Fr Alexander described the participants as a group of energetic and experienced men, filled with wisdom, and noted that old age is the final stage of human maturity and a sign of God's blessings; it is not only a physical process but also a psychological and spiritual journey, he said. For his part, Fr Don Bosco Lourdusamy, INM Provincial, spoke of the life full of grace that is realised through silence, solitude and stillness Interactions, the readiness to learn and the willingness to adapt to changing situations determine ageing with grace. The Provincial urged the older Salesians to take a keen interest in the work of the younger generations, appreciating their efforts and guiding them with kindness. Fr Stanislaus Swamikannu, former INM Provincial, spoke of "Intergenerational Dialogue"; Fr Rajkumar Fernando shared some suggestions with the group on how to "dodge your age and live a long and happy life"; Dr. Saravanan, gastroenterologist specialist, illustrated some ailments and diseases for the participants. During the meeting, the wisdom and richness of the Salesian experience of the participants emerged, as well as their love for the Province and for the next generations of Salesians. The participants expressed great joy at the opportunity to meet old friends, experience the Salesian family spirit and refresh the sense of belonging to the Province and the Congregation.