Chennai, India – March 2024 – In a solemn ceremony held at the Votive Shrine of Kilpauk, in Chennai, twelve Salesians were ordained as deacons by Arhcbishop George Antonysamy, archbishop of Mylapore, Madras. The ordination took place on 19 March, coinciding with the Solemnity of St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church. Among the new deacons, eight belong to the Salesian Province of Chennai (INM) and the other four to the Salesian Province of Tiruchy (INT). The ceremony was attended by Fr Don Bosco Lourdusamy, Superior of the Province of Chennai, India (INM) and Fr Agilan Sarprasadam, Superior of the Province of Tiruchy, India (INT). Also present were Fr John Alexander, Vice-Provincial of the Salesian Province of Chennai, Fr Pathiaraj Rayappan, Rector of Becchi Don Bosco house in Chennai and numerous other Salesian and diocesan priests.