The journey toward provincial status began in June 1997, when Tiruchy was first declared a delegation of Chennai. Within two years, it attained the status of an independent province, placing itself under the patronage of Our Lady of Good Health of Velankanni. However, the roots of Salesian presence in this region stretch much further back in history. The first Salesians arrived in India in 1906, establishing themselves in Tanjore, an agricultural town that today lies within the Province of Tiruchy. Even before this, in 1876, Pope Pius IX had personally requested Don Bosco to send his missionaries to India, laying the foundation for what would later become a flourishing Salesian mission.  

A Preferential Option for the Poor 

From its inception, the Province of Tiruchy made a radical and prophetic choice for the rural poor. The guiding principle of the province has always been "From the periphery to the centre," calling all its members to focus on the most marginalized and underprivileged youth. This commitment has defined the province's mission and continues to be its hallmark.  

Growth and Expansion Over 25 Years 

Over the past 25 years, the province has witnessed steady growth, particularly in its number of Salesians. In 1999, the province began with 148 confreres, and today it has grown to 251 members, including: 

–             170 priests 

–             5 Salesian Brothers 

–             75 young Salesians in formation 

–             8 novices  

The number of canonically erected houses has also increased, from 8 in 1999 to 30 today.  

Salesian Presence and Ministries 

The Province of Tiruchy has established a significant presence in various ministries. It currently runs: 

–             21 educational institutions, including 5 technical institutes 

–             11 parish stations 

–             5 care homes for at-risk youth 

–             4 formation houses, including one College of Philosophy 

The Salesian Family actively collaborates in the mission, with: 

–             20 units of Past Pupils 

–             13 units of Salesian Cooperators 

–             3 units of ADMA (Association of Mary Help of Christians) 

The province also oversees several specialized ministries, including: 

–             Career guidance and job placement 

–             Media-related skill training and production 

–             Catechetical animation 

–             Addiction awareness and counselling 

–             School counselling services 

–             Scouts and Guides programs 

Various committees and departments manage essential aspects such as: 

–             Religious life and discipline 

–             Construction and property development 

–             Financial planning and fundraising (including the Share to Care initiative) 

–             Legal services 

Impact: Beneficiaries Over 25 Years 

The province has reached and transformed the lives of thousands over the past 25 years. Below is a summary of the key impact areas: 

–             Academic Education: 29,349

–             Technical Education: 20,241

–             Parish Population Served: 28,907

–             Child Care Homes: 97,855

–             Departments (Youth Served): 437,195

–             Rural Outreach Programs: 17,372

–             English Academy: 1,798

–             Scouts & Guides: 3,700

–             Eco Clubs (Members): 15,000

–             Evening Study Centers (Children Supported): 45,000

–             Skill Training Programs: 5,483

–             School Dropouts Reintegrated: 1,758

Additionally, the formation houses have accompanied 2,764 young men in their Salesian vocational journey, including: 

–             536 school-going aspirants 

–             375 pre-novices 

–             1,833 students of philosophy  

Key Contributions and Special Initiatives 

The Province of Tiruchy has stayed true to its original mission of serving the rural poor, particularly through education and empowerment. Some of its notable initiatives include: 

–             Scholarships for thousands of underprivileged children, especially those affected or infected by HIV/AIDS.

–             Rescue and rehabilitation of at-risk youth, including street children, working children, adolescents in conflict with the law, and young people struggling with addiction. 

–             Environmental clubs and sustainability programs, including organic farming. 

–             Women’s empowerment through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). 

–             Active contribution to the global Salesian mission, with confreres serving at the Regional Inter-Provincial House in Delhi, the Generalate in Rome, international missions, and the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS) in Rome.  

Silver Jubilee Celebrations and Way Forward 

The Province recently celebrated its Silver Jubilee (1999–2024) with a comprehensive evaluation of its mission's impact. This reflection led to the formulation of a sector-wise roadmap for the future. The Jubilee was marked by several initiatives, including: 

–             A new coaching centre for competitive exams 

–             One lakh tree plantation drive 

–             Increased adoption of solar energy (now at 75%) 

–             Jubilee publications on environment, catechetics, prayer, and formation 

–             Jubilee cultural competitions and a souvenir publication 

–             A three-year animation program for confreres focusing on Salesian identity, mission to the young, and the spirituality of witness under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Agilan, the Provincial, and his Silver Jubilee team.  

A Heartfelt Acknowledgment 

The Province of Tiruchy expresses its deep gratitude to its many benefactors, lay collaborators, and members of the Salesian Family, including: 

–             The FMAs (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians) 

–             The SMAs, SMIs, and VDBs (Salesian Secular Institutes) 

–             Salesian Cooperators 

–             Salesian Past Pupils 

–             ADMA members and others  

Above all, the province gives thanks to God Almighty for His countless blessings over these 25 Silver Years. It entrusts its future mission to the loving care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, particularly Our Lady of Good Health of Velankanni, its Chief Patroness. 

A video presenting the Salesian reality of INT is available on ANSChannel.

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