The event was a spirited tribute to the missionary legacy of the Salesian Congregation and a call to renew the missionary zeal among young Salesians and students. The opening ceremony was presided over by Fr. Don Bosco Lourdusamy SDB, Provincial of INM, who urged participants to “embrace the missionary call with gratitude and joy.” He emphasized that every Salesian, regardless of location, is called to live the missionary dimension of their vocation—“planting seeds of love, faith, and hope in the hearts of young people.”

Organized under the guidance of the INM Missionary Commission, the celebration aimed to foster missionary generosity and openness among young confreres and students. A key spiritual moment on the first day was the Mission Rosary, led by the Novices from Idaya Deepam Novitiate, Yelagiri, during which prayers were offered for missionaries serving across the five continents.

Day two began with the Holy Eucharist, celebrated by Fr. John Alexander SDB, Vice-Provincial and Formation Delegate. In his homily, he reflected on the rich missionary heritage of the Salesians, recalling the more than 480 missionaries who have served in India since 1906. “They sowed the seeds of faith and education in countless young lives,” he said, encouraging the assembly to carry forward this legacy with courage and generosity.

Mission animation sessions followed, featuring powerful testimonies from Fr. Augustine Sellam (Vice Provincial of TZA), Fr. Raymond (SLK), and Fr. Draviya Rupen (INT), who shared their missionary experiences in Tanzania, Siberia, and Zambia. Their stories painted a vivid picture of the joys and challenges of Salesian missionary life, rooted in service to youth and the poor.

The afternoon was marked by a colorful cultural program, showcasing performances by students and formees from various Salesian houses. The event also included a prize distribution ceremony for winners of the Article Writing and Sketching Competitions on the theme “How I see a Salesian Missionary sowing seeds of love in today’s challenging world.”

The celebration concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks to the Don Bosco Aspirantate community for their warm hospitality and meticulous organization. Special recognition was given to Fr. John Alexander and the missionary committee, including Fr. Anto John Jagadish, Fr. Jesumanikam David, Fr. Santhana Arul Nicholas, and Fr. Amalraj Aaservatham, for their dedicated efforts.

The event ended on a high note, echoing the words of Don Bosco: “The world is waiting for you,” as participants departed with renewed missionary fervor and a deepened commitment to their Salesian calling.