India – The Salesian Province of Calcutta, India, begins the 2024 Provincial Chapter
Kolkata, India – April 2024 – The Provincial Chapter of St John Bosco Province of Calcutta (INC) began on 8 April, on the theme: "PASSIONATE ABOUT JESUS CHRIST, DEDICATED TO YOUNG PEOPLE. Living our Salesian vocation faithfully and prophetically.“ The Chapter began with a day of recollection led by Fr James Mathew, in the Nitika chapel. Archbishop Thomas D’Souza, archbishop of Calcutta, presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration and invited the Salesians to "be good listeners, to focus on ongoing formation and to update Salesian pedagogy in the digital world." Fr Ignatius Malasam Tisu from Bangladesh, read articles 170-171 of the Constitutions underlining the meaning and importance of the Provincial Chapter. During the Chapter, messages from Fr Biju Michael, Councillor for the South Asia Region, were read. The Archbishop then returned to address Chapter members, thanking the Salesians for the pastoral help extended to the Dioceses of West Bengal, Sikkim, Nepal and Bangladesh and for the appreciation of young people. Finally, Fr George Chempakathinal, the Moderator, welcomed those present and declared the Provincial Chapter open.