NEWS
Animation fosters unity, missionary zeal, and shared responsibility, guided above all by the Rector, who ensures pastoral discernment and communion. More than efficiency, it is a spiritual and pedagogical approach that nurtures holiness as a shared and mutually communicated experience.
The Annual Youth Ministry Delegates and Network Heads Meeting 2026 of South Asia is a strategic moment of reflection and renewal. Organized jointly by the Youth Pastoral Ministry, Rome, and Don Bosco Youth Animation – South Asia (DBYA-SA), Delhi, the meeting seeks to strengthen collaboration, discern pastoral directions, and respond more effectively to the challenges and aspirations of young people across the Salesian Provinces of South Asia.
A two-day National Seminar on the theme “The Laity: Partners in the Church’s Mission” was held at Sacred Heart Theological College (SHTC), Mawlai, Shillong, on September 11-12. Organised jointly by SHTC and the Oriens Theological Institute, the Seminar brought together nearly 350 participants, including members of the clergy, religious, theologians, seminarians and lay leaders from across India.
The two-day guided retreat “Unplug” was held at Don Bosco Yuva Sanstha, Karjat, from September 5 to 6. It offered young people a chance to step away from digital distractions and daily routines and reconnect with God, themselves and the community.
Fr Rafael Bejarano SDB, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, Rome, arrived at Shillong Airport on September 8 for his maiden visit to the Salesian Province of Shillong. He was briefly received at Siloam before proceeding to Don Bosco Provincial House, Mawlai, where Salesian priests, brothers and staff welcomed him warmly.
The Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard, speaking to the former General Councillors and Provincials and the SPCSA Council during the Holy Eucharist on the occasion of the 53rd SPCSA Council Meeting in Delhi, reflected on the Gospel account of Jesus healing the man with the withered hand (Lk 6:6-11). He invited Salesian leaders to examine whether their own vocation and mission remain open to healing, compassion and service, or have become constrained by suspicion, routine or institutional concerns.
The text of the homily is given below:
Seven new Salesian Cooperators made their Promise at the Salesian Family gathering at Byndihati Centre under Khliehriat Parish on August 30. The celebration brought together members of the local Cooperators’ community, the Provincial team from Shillong, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) and members of religious communities in the locality.
A two-day Salesian Quinquennium renewal programme, held from August 25 to 26, brought together young Salesian priests in their first five years of priestly ministry for spiritual renewal, fraternal communion, and deeper reflection on their missionary vocation. Centred on consecration, communion and mission, the programme sought to renew their commitment to these core values.
Youth Day at Don Bosco, Kuarmunda, brought together young people of the parish and the institution for a day of spiritual reflection, fellowship, and formation centred on the theme “Take Courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
A two-day recollection for Practical Training (PT) clerics from the Nagaland and Manipur regions was held on August 21 and 22 at Don Bosco College Maram. It brought together 20 young Salesian clerics and the Vice Provincial for renewal, formation, fraternity and reflection on their vocation and mission.
More than 45 Local Vocation Animators (LVAs) from Don Bosco institutions across western India gathered at Don Bosco Lonavla on August 22–23 for the Mumbai Salesians Province Vocation Team Conclave. It focused on how the Church and the Salesian Family can help young people discover and discern their vocation.
Young and newly ordained Salesian priests of the Salesian Province of Hyderabad met at Don Bosco Provincial House on August 18 and 19 for a two-day formation on “Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Faith Formation and Evangelisation.” The programme aimed to equip priests to engage more effectively with young people in an increasingly digital environment.
Don Bosco High School, Makarpura, hosted “Sundays at Valdocco”, a day-long gathering that brought young people from across the region together in prayer, music and youthful enthusiasm. The programme aimed to deepen faith, foster commitment and strengthen the Salesian spirit.



Publisher: Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Year of publication: 2026
Available from: 4 March 2026
Pages: 928 pp., Paperback










