Kolkata, 18 January: In a powerful culmination of a three-day youth Bible convention at Don Bosco Park Circus, hundreds of young Catholics reported profound spiritual experiences, including physical sensations of divine touch and an overwhelming "fire" of the Holy Spirit, marking what organizers called the potential start of a new revival in India.

The day saw a total gathering of around 1200 people—young and old, seminarians and postulants, brothers and sisters—united in worship. The spiritual crescendo began with a solemn Mass offered by Fr. Joseph Pauria, Provincial of the Kolkata Province. In his homily, Fr. Pauria delivered a penetrating reflection on the "Lamb of God," focusing on the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the conquering power of Christ's love. This Eucharistic celebration, centered on the sacrificial Lamb, prepared the ground spiritually and emotionally for the events that followed, drawing the community into a deep sense of reverence and expectation.

The Core Event: An Unprecedented Anointing
The convention, titled "Zoe Youth Bible Convention," reached its climax during a final session led by Rev. Fr. Daniel Poovannathil, a charismatic retreat preacher. Building directly upon the foundation of the Holy Eucharist, Fr. Daniel prepared the attendees for what he termed a "Pentecost experience." He instructed them to pray relentlessly from Luke 1:35: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you."

The session transitioned into intense Eucharistic adoration and prayer for the "anointing" of the Holy Spirit. According to numerous firsthand accounts from participants, the prayer was met with tangible spiritual manifestations. Many reported feeling a physical "touch," heaviness, or a burning sensation, with some breaking into tears and spontaneous praise. Fr. Daniel, sharing his own past experiences of divine touch, framed the event as a modern-day "upper room" experience, akin to the biblical Day of Pentecost, powerfully concluding the journey that began with the contemplation of the Lamb of God.

Kolkata, 17 January : The second day of the ZOE Youth Bible Convention unfolded as a dynamic tapestry of spirited worship, profound scriptural teaching, heartfelt testimony, and sacramental grace, drawing hundreds of youth deeper into an encounter with Christ.

The day commenced with energetic praise and worship, echoing the convention’s theme song, “What is Life?”—a recurring anthem that framed the day’s reflections on purpose and divine calling. The atmosphere was charged with prayer, spontaneous worship, and communal singing, setting the stage for a day of spiritual renewal.

Morning Session: The Logos and Our Identity in Christ

Rev. Fr. Daniel Poonatil led an impactful morning teaching centered on the Gospel of John. He introduced the Greek concept of Logos (the Word), popularized by Philo of Alexandria and adopted by John to reveal Jesus as the meaning, purpose, and logic of human existence.

Fr. Daniel emphasized the pervasive human struggle with identity crisis. Drawing from Genesis 1:26–27, he reminded attendees that being created in God’s image and likeness fundamentally means being a child of God. He illustrated this with moving personal anecdotes from his own childhood—marked by poverty, paternal absence, and a broken sense of self—and how a divine encounter with his true identity in Christ transformed his life.

“Your identity is not as a sinner, an orphan, or the rejected,” he declared. “You are the beloved son or daughter of God.” Through Scripture (Romans 8:14–17) and interactive declarations (“I am not a slave; I am a child of God!”), he empowered the youth to reject false scripts imposed by heredity, environment, or personal failure, and to rewrite their life’s narrative through God’s Word.

Sacramental Grace: Holy Eucharist and the Call to Repentance

The midday Holy Mass, celebrated with reverence and devotion, focused on the Gospel of Mark (2:13–17), where Jesus calls Levi the tax collector. The homily underscored the sacrament of Reconciliation as the place where we, like Levi, acknowledge our sinfulness without excuse and receive the healing touch of Jesus, the Divine Physician.

Prayers of the faithful included special intercessions for the preaching ministry of Fr. Daniel and his team, for the Salesian family, and for all youth to become channels of peace and joy.

Afternoon Testimony: A Bollywood Star’s Journey to the Catholic Faith

The afternoon witnessed a powerful testimony from Christina (formerly Mahalakshmi), a former Tamil film actress and Hindu Brahmin. She narrated her journey from fame and deep depression—including suicidal struggles, an abortion, and chronic illness—to a desperate search for truth. Her turning point came through a dream of a radiant man she later recognized as Jesus, and through reading the Bible, especially Matthew 9:6 (“the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins”).

She described how the Rosary became her lifeline, with Mother Mary answering her seeking heart through Scripture readings at a CSI church. After discerning the historical and sacramental truth of the Catholic Church—particularly the Real Presence in the Eucharist—she was baptized. Miraculous healings from cervical spondylosis and arthritis at a retreat center confirmed her faith. Today, she stands as a joyful third-order Dominican, with her entire family baptized, proclaiming, “Jesus is God!”

Evening Teaching: Covenant, Sabbath, and the Family of God

Fr. Daniel resumed teaching with a deep dive into covenant theology, starting from Genesis. He explained the significance of the number seven (Shva) in Hebrew—meaning both “seven” and “covenant”—and how the Sabbath rest signifies God’s familial covenant with humanity.

He outlined the six major biblical covenants (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus) and elaborated on the blessings of the Adamic covenant: being made in God’s image, fruitfulness, dominion, provision, and marriage. The single condition was obedience: not eating from the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil,” which Fr. Daniel interpreted as a call to depend on the Spirit’s guidance rather than human reason alone.

KOLKATA – In a vibrant display of spiritual fervor and youthful energy, the ZOE Youth Bible Convention commenced Day 1 at the Don Bosco Provincial House (DBPC), marking a pivotal spiritual milestone in the centenary celebrations of the Salesian presence in Kolkata (1925-2025).

More than 600 participants, hailing from various schools, formation institutions, and parishes across Central and South Bengal, converged for the three-day retreat designed to revitalize the spiritual lives of the region's youth. The convention, anchored in the scriptural theme "I have come that they may have life, and life in abundance" (John 10:10), opened with an atmosphere of high-energy worship, setting the tone for a transformative weekend.

Inauguration and the "Festival of God's Word" The event began with a solemn enthronement of the Holy Bible and the lighting of the lamp, symbolizing Christ as the true light. Organizers introduced the gathering as a "festival of God's word," emphasizing that the event was a continuation of the province's gratitude for 100 years of service.

Dignitaries present included Fr. Dominic Gomes (Chancellor, Archdiocese of Calcutta) Fr. Joseph Pauria (Salesian Provincial), Sr. Leelama ( Provincial, FMA), Sr. Reena (Provincial, SMI), (Fr. Sunil Kerketta (Provincial Designate), and Fr. Patrick Lepcha (Youth Delegate for South Asia). The gathering also welcomed renowned preacher Fr. Daniel Poovathil and his team, along with former actress turned evangelist Mrs. Mohini Mahalakshmi (Christina).

Eucharist: Finding Voice Amidst the Noise The spiritual highlight of the afternoon was the inaugural Holy Eucharist, the "Mass of the Holy Spirit," presided over by Fr. Dominic Gomes, Vicar General and Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kolkata.

In a poignant homily addressing the modern struggles of Gen Z, Fr. Gomes acknowledged the immense pressure young people face from social media, academic expectations, and the fear of failure. He contrasted the "noise" of the world with the "voice" of the Shepherd, urging the youth to move beyond superficial success to find "inner freedom and restored dignity" in Christ. Citing the healing of the paralytic in the Gospel of Mark, he reminded the congregation that Jesus heals invisible wounds of guilt, addiction, and low self-esteem.

Fr. Daniel Poovathil: Wisdom and the Living Word Following the liturgy, the highly anticipated session by Fr. Daniel Poovathil captivated the audience. Fr. Poovathil focused on the transformative power of Scripture, describing the Word of God as "living and active."

He challenged the youth to secure their future through "wisdom," which he defined as the key to a hope that will never be cut off. In a practical segment, he engaged the students with memory techniques to learn the structure of the Gospel of John and offered a theological framework for spiritual reception, teaching the youth to affirm their identity as spiritual beings living in a body.

Evening of Testimony and Adoration The day concluded with an intense session of Adoration and deliverance prayer, followed by a powerful testimony from Mrs. Mohini Mahalakshmi (Christina). She spoke candidly about "identity crisis" among modern youth, sharing stories of transformation through the power of intercession and the Rosary. She urged the participants to be "stubborn" in their pursuit of God's blessing, likening their spiritual struggle to Jacob wrestling with the angel.

As the day wrapped up with action songs led by the aspirants of Auxilium and a communal dinner, the overarching message remained clear: the youth of Bengal are being called not just to attend a program, but to experience an encounter that leads to a mission.

BANDEL, 2 January – The Salesian community and faithful gathered at the historic Basilica of the Holy Rosary, Bandel, on Friday morning to bid a solemn farewell to Brother Policarp Ekka, a dedicated Salesian of Don Bosco whose sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of many. The funeral service, held on January 2 at 10:00 AM, celebrated the life of a man described as a "faithful son of Don Bosco," bringing together mourners to honor his decades of service to education and the church.

Born on July 24, 1944, on the Chotanagpur plateau of Jharkhand, Br. Policarp committed his life to the Salesian congregation, making his first profession in 1974 and his final vows in 1980. His journey as a religious brother was marked by a deep devotion modeled after Saint Artemide Zatti, characterized by a spirit of service that spanned over five decades. The service highlighted his unexpected death on December 30, 2025, during a cherished stay in Don Bosco Mirpara where he spent his final days amidst the Technical youths he loved.

Br. Policarp was a pillar of technical education within the province, serving tirelessly across various institutes including Don Bosco Park Circus, Krishnanagar, Liluah, Mirpara, Kalimpong, and Techo. He was fondly remembered not just for his religious vocation but for his practical contributions in the classroom, where he helped countless young boys master mathematics and technical skills. His colleagues and students recall a mentor who combined academic rigor with a genuine care for the youth entrusted to him.

Tributes during the service painted a picture of a man defined by "guileless joy and hearty laughter" that seemed to fill every room he entered. The memorial emphasized his legacy of curiosity and unwavering faith, noting that he lived with a happiness that was infectious to those around him. As the congregation prayed, the sentiment shared was one of celebrating a brother who, in the words of the memorial, "jumped the line ahead of us all" to his eternal reward.

The burial rites concluded the emotional service at the Bandel Basilica, a site of significant historical and religious importance. As the community laid Br. Policarp Ekka to rest, the overwhelming message was one of gratitude for a life lived in humble service, leaving behind a lasting impact on the educational landscape of the region and the spiritual lives of his Salesian family.

KATIHAR – Salesian Deacons Bernard Mardi and Suleman Tudu were ordained to the priesthood on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in a solemn ceremony presided over by Most Rev. Francis Tirkey, Bishop of the Purnea Diocese. The ordination, held at Don Bosco School, Katihar, marks a significant addition to the clergy of the Salesian Province of Kolkata and the Diocese of Purnea, drawing a large congregation of faithful, clergy, and family members to witness the commitment of the two new priests to the service of God and the Church.

During the central ordination rite, Bishop Tirkey invoked the Holy Spirit and laid hands upon the candidates, a defining tradition of the sacrament. In his homily, the prelate emphasized the dual role of the priest as both a shepherd and a servant, urging the ordinands to pursue lives of holiness and dedication. The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr. Joseph Pauria, Salesian Provincial of the Kolkata Province, and Fr. George Kerketta, Vicar General of the Purnea Diocese, alongside numerous priests from across the region.

The newly ordained priests have completed over a decade of formation. Fr. Bernard Mardi hails from Kaliganj in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal and is the son of the late Cornelius and Monica Mardi. Fr. Suleman Tudu is a native of Pathargama in the Godda district of Jharkhand, born to the late Turu and Elizabeth Hansda. Their ordination was highlighted not only as a personal milestone but as a testament to the enduring faith and prayers of their families and local communities.

Following the liturgical services, the solemnity gave way to a vibrant felicitation program organized by the Don Bosco School community and local parish groups. The event featured traditional songs and dances performed by the youth of St. Michael’s and St. Mary’s hostels. In their vote of thanks, Fr. Mardi and Fr. Tudu expressed deep gratitude to their formators and specifically acknowledged Fr. Denis Murmu, Rector and Principal of Don Bosco Katihar, for his role in organizing the event.

The celebration concluded with a fellowship meal, symbolizing the unity of the gathering. As the crowds dispersed, the event left a prevailing sense of hope and spiritual renewal, with the local Catholic community welcoming two energetic new laborers to the mission of serving the youth and the marginalized in Eastern India.

Kolkata, December 20, 2025: Celebrating 150 years since the first Salesian missionary expedition, the Salesian Family gathered at Don Bosco Parish, Liluah, on Saturday for Salesian Mission Day 2025, marking a moment of gratitude, renewal, and commitment to the congregation’s enduring mission of education, youth empowerment, and pastoral outreach.

Presided over by Father Joseph Pauria SDB, Provincial of Kolkata, the event opened with a Solemn Holy Eucharist marked by a vibrant liturgical dance by youth from Bandel Parish. In his homily, Father Pauria reflected on Don Bosco’s original missionary vision, calling on participants to “relaunch their missionary zeal through love and service.”

Following the Eucharist, the celebration transitioned into a rich cultural and institutional programme under the theme “Give Thanks, ReThink, Relaunch.” This threefold call framed the day’s events as both a remembrance of legacy and a blueprint for future mission in a changing social landscape.

Performances by Kalyani Youth, Senhet Youth, and Monsada Youth showcased a blend of regional and indigenous expressions, while Don Bosco Ashalayam presented a poignant dance drama on grassroots engagement with vulnerable communities.

Infotainment segments highlighted key missionary milestones through presentations by FMA, MSMHC, and SDB institutions. A historical reflection by Father Antony Kodiyan SDB traced the congregation’s evolution from its founding to its presence today in 137 countries with nearly 15,000 active members.

Sister Dorothy SMI spotlighted the collaborative outreach of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, while messages from Sister Leelamma Palliparambil FMA and Father Pauria stressed the importance of continuity, pastoral innovation, and youth accompaniment.

A felicitation ceremony honoured catechists and past pupils for their sustained contributions to the Salesian mission, underscoring the vital role of lay collaborators in community engagement.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Father Rosan Kullu SDB, encapsulating the spirit of unity and forward vision that defined the gathering.

With vibrant participation from seminarians, youth groups, and mission partners, Salesian Mission Day 2025 reaffirmed the congregation's evolving role as both custodian of faith heritage and catalyst for social transformation in Eastern India.

Sonada, 20 December 2025 - Salesian College (Autonomous), Sonada celebrated its Pre-Christmas Gathering on 19 December, 2025 in the presence of the student community, faculty and the support staff. The programme began with the opening of the crib  which was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.

The Rector, Fr. Johnny Nedungatt, in his brief Christmas  message referred to the words of the angel on that first Christmas, “Glory to God in the highest and peace to people of good will.”  He further said, “ It seems that the world hates peace today for there are over 60 war like conflicts around. Celebrating Christmas  invites us to become builders of  peace around us.”  

An inter-departmental carol singing competition was held, with general carols presented in between the performances. The programme also featured a dance performance by the first-year brothers and the joyful arrival of Santa Claus, adding to the festive atmosphere. The college community, both the staff and students brought alive the spirit of Christmas before  it closed for winter vacation. 

In the inter-departmental carol singing competition, the department of English secured first place, the department of Political Science came second, and BCA achieved third place.

The various events associated with Christmas were also remembered through an in inter-departmental notice board competition, in which the department of Sociology emerged as the winner, followed by the department of Mass Communication and Journalism as runners-up, and the department of Political Science as second runners-up.

• Ms. Anjana Rai

Sonada, 14 December 2025 - The Youth Department of Salesian College, Sonada organized a Christmas gathering as part of the concluding activities of the year long Sunday apostolate on 14 December, 2025, bringing together the young and old from twenty-five villages.  Nearly 400 young people gathered in three locations to experience the joy of Christmas. 

The department, comprising brothers of Salesian College, Sonada, concluded the final Sunday ministry of the year with this celebratory event, which aimed to foster joy, unity, and  celebrate the true spirit of Christmas among the youth.

The celebration was conducted across three different zones, each organizing its own Christmas programme, each zone having participants from average eight villages each: Sonada Zone gathered at Salesian College; Dilaram Zone at St. Mary’s Hills Kurseong while Barima Zone conducted it at Gairigaon. Each zone organized independently while maintaining a common spirit and purpose, providing the young a full day of celebration and healthy fun-filled activities.

The Christmas gathering began with an introduction to the celebration, emphasizing the meaning and significance of Christmas, especially its message of love, hope, and togetherness. The inaugural function set a reflective and joyful tone for the rest of the day. A major attraction of the event was the mela-style activities, which were enthusiastically received by the participants. Various games too were organized throughout the day. The creative way of organizing competitive  games encouraged active participation and added excitement to the celebration.

The gathering also included food stalls which further enhanced the festive atmosphere. Alongside the food stalls, recreative activities such as bingo and lottery too  were organized, drawing a large number of participants and creating moments of anticipation and joy.

Another significant highlight was the dance competition, which witnessed energetic and enthusiastic participation from talented dancers across the zones. The performances added vibrancy and colour to the programme and were warmly appreciated by both participants and spectators. Each zone recorded its own number of registrations from various age groups, reflecting active involvement from both the young and elderly in their respective localities. The celebration created heartfelt moments and strengthened bonds within the youth community.

Ms. Cindrella Shrestha, one of the young participants in the Sonada campus said, “The fair created a joyful and lively atmosphere on campus and gave all of us a chance to relax and interact with one another. Overall, it was a memorable, enjoyable, and well-organized experience for all of us.”

The Christmas gathering served as a fitting and meaningful conclusion to the year’s youth activities under the Sunday Youth Ministry. The dedicated efforts, careful planning, and commitment of the organizers ensured the smooth execution and overall success of the event.  It stood as a memorable and successful culmination of the Youth Department’s activities for the year.

-Cl. Lamkupar Nonglang SDB

SONADA, December 13, 2025 — The hills of Sonada resonated with hymns and cultural vibrancy this Saturday as the Salesian Province of Kolkata’s North-Bengal Zone celebrated Salesian Mission Day at Salesian College Sonada. The event, centered around the powerful theme "Give Thanks, Rethink, Relaunch," marked the 150th anniversary of the first Salesian Missionary Expedition and 100th Anniversary of the First Salesian Presence in Calcutta, bringing together clergy, youth, and lay collaborators for a day of reflection and festivity.

The celebration commenced at 10:00 AM with a solemn Holy Mass, presided over by the Main Celebrant, Bishop Paul Simick, DD, Bishop of Bagdogra. The liturgy began with a lively entrance Dance by Salesian College Siliguri Students and a warm welcome by Fr. Johny Nedungatt, Rector of Salesian College Sonada, setting a tone of gratitude for the mission's legacy. The spiritual atmosphere was further enriched by the harmonious choir of SCS Brothers, alongside a symbolic prayer of the faithful led by the brothers of the college.

Following the Mass, the gathering transitioned into a spirited cultural program at 12:30 PM, emceed by the SCS Brothers. Fr. Tomy Augustine, Provincial Councilor for the Commission for Missionary Animation welcomed the gathering and highlighted the rich Missionary contribution the hosting institute, Salesian College Sonada, provided for past 87 years for the region and the world. The cultural event featured Nepali cultural dances by the Malbasey Youth, Salesian College Sonada Students and Don Bosco Kalimpong.

A key moment of the event was the address by Fr. Johny Nedungatt, who spoke on the "Salesian Mission in North Bengal," tracing the impact and future direction of their work in the region. This was complemented by a video presentation curated by Nitika Don Bosco Media, visualizing the mission's journey. The program also included the felicitation of all the  local catechists, honoring their dedication to the mission. 

The festivities concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by the Zonal Leader, Fr. Pius Kerketta, acknowledging the efforts of all organizers and participants. The community then gathered for a fellowship meal at 2:00 PM, reinforcing the bonds of the Salesian family before the departure.

Organized by the Commission for Missionary Animation, this year’s celebration not only honored the past 150 years but also served as a clarion call to "Rethink and Relaunch" the Salesian mission for the challenges of the future.

Delhi, 10 December: Fr N.T. Scaria, a pioneer of compassionate prison reforms, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Prison Reforms with Compassion at the 15th International Human Rights Summit & Awards held on December 10, 2025, at the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi. The award, conferred by the All India Council of Human Rights, Liberties & Social Justice, recognized his extraordinary contributions to human dignity and social justice.

The Global Board of Jury commended Fr Scaria’s unwavering compassion and spiritual leadership in transforming lives behind bars through faith-driven social action. Beginning with his historic visit to Berhampore Central Correctional Home in 1995, he had pioneered initiatives in reform and rehabilitation across West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar. His work introduced vocational training, legal aid, counselling, family support, and the world’s first certified motor driving school inside a prison.

Under his leadership, the Don Bosco Prison Ministry became a beacon of hope for thousands of prisoners and their families, facilitating release, rehabilitation, and reintegration. His initiatives inspired correctional officials, volunteers, clergy, and reformers to adopt a more humane and compassionate approach to justice.

Honouring decades of dedicated service, the award placed Fr Scaria among eminent global leaders recognized at the Summit, celebrating him as a national symbol of mercy, faith, and reform.
- CM Paul, SDB