At 9:30 a.m., the Vicar presided over a solemn Eucharistic celebration in the centenary hall of Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School. Concelebrating with him were Rev. Fr. Biju Michael, the South Asian Regional Councillor, and all the Provincials of the region. The local diocesan priests, along with a significant number of confreres from the mother Province of Chennai, added to the solemnity of the sacred celebration. Representatives from all Salesian presences in the Province attended, including not only Salesians but also members of various units of the Salesian Family such as the FMA, SMA, Salesian Co-operators, Past Pupils, VDB, ADMA, and Salesian Youth Movement, along with numerous collaborators.
Following the Eucharist, a grand cultural event showcased the diverse mission activities of the province and various folk arts of the region. Rev. Fr. Agilan Sarprasadam, the Provincial of the Tiruchy Province, extended a warm welcome to all and honoured the distinguished guests of the day. Congratulatory messages were delivered by dignitaries from various forums, including Rev. Fr. Stefano Martoglio, SDB, the Vicar of the Rector Major; Monsignor L. Sagayaraj, the Apostolic Administrator of Thanjavur Diocese; Rev. Fr. Biju Michael, SDB, the South Asian Regional Councillor; Rev. Sr. Majella Fernando, FMA, the Provincial of the FMA Tiruchy Province; Rev. Sr. Josephine Selvi, SMA, the Mother General of the SMA congregation; Mr. W. Justin Abraham, a Past Pupil from Thanjavur representing the Salesian Family; and Ms. K. Priyadarshini, a youth representative from Lalgudi.
The Vicar released several significant productions during the event, including the Silver Jubilee Souvenir edited by Fr. John Dharman, a book on "Understanding Film and Technology" by Fr. Arockia Raj, the "Policy of Integral Ecology" by Fr. Ricopar Royan, and an audio version of the Jubilee Anthem by Dr. Devanesan.
The event culminated with a fraternal meal, served joyfully in a family atmosphere. The entire celebration was coordinated by Fr. Victor Antonyraj, the chief of the Silver Jubilee Committee, and beautifully organized by Fr. Suresh Felix, the Rector of Don Bosco Thanjavur, his community, and other close collaborators. The Vicar of the Rector Major concluded his visit to the Province with a personal pilgrimage to the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Velankanni, the Chief Patroness of the Salesian Province of Tiruchy.
Reported by Fr. Victor Antonyraj & Fr. John Dharman, Tiruchy
