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TIRUCHY, October 3:

Tiruchy Salesian Family Renews Commitment to One Mission

5 October 2026

Salesian Family,

News reported by: Clan Zackariyas [INT]

The Salesian Province of Tiruchy (INT) gathered 70 representatives of the Salesian Family for the Salesian Family Live-in 2026, held on October 2–3 at Don Bosco Alaihal Media, Manikandam, under the theme “One Family – One Spirit – One Mission.”

Representing eight branches of the Salesian Family, including SDB, FMA, SMA, Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils, VDB, ADMA and Disciples of Jesus, the participants gathered to deepen Salesian spirituality, strengthen communion and renew their commitment to youth ministry and community empowerment.

Fr John Barnabas SDB, Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Cooperators, and Sr Rosy Antony FMA, Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Family, jointly coordinated the programme. Prayer, animation, fellowship and formation were central to the two-day gathering.

A major highlight was the provincial felicitation of two veteran lay leaders, Mr Manohar of Lourdes Shrine, Madurai, and Mr Xavier Amaladoss of Don Bosco Anbu Illam, Salem, in recognition of more than 35 years of educational, pastoral and social service to vulnerable young people.

Rector Major Fr Fabio Attard SDB had earlier honoured the two leaders during the Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia (SPCSA) in New Delhi. Provincial Fr Doss Kennedy SDB received the recognitions on their behalf and presented them with a traditional ponnadai, certificates of appreciation and commemorative volumes. Fr Doss Kennedy and Sr Kulandai Theresa FMA formally felicitated the two leaders during the live-in.

The first day featured ice-breaking activities, a Marian Rosary led by ADMA at the statues depicting Don Bosco’s Dream and fellowship activities animated by the Past Pupils. In his Good Night address, Fr Doss Kennedy highlighted the preventive system as a home, school, chapel and playground, stressing its relevance in accompanying young people.

The second day began with a meditation led by Fr Diraviya Rupen SDB on the call to become Good Samaritans to vulnerable young people. FMA animators conducted interactive sessions on the 32 branches of the worldwide Salesian Family, helping participants appreciate the breadth and diversity of the Salesian charism.

The gathering reached its spiritual high point with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Doss Kennedy and concelebrated by 10 Salesian priests, reaffirming the Salesian Family’s shared mission of accompanying young people and helping them discover purposeful and meaningful lives.

The programme concluded with a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine at Poondi, where the delegates venerated the touring relic of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and entrusted their common apostolic initiatives and commitment to youth to Mary Help of Christians.