MINISTRIES

KOLKATA: Rev. Fr. Peter Vincent Lourdes, SDB, one of India’s pioneering priest-psychologists and the oldest Salesian in the Kolkata Province, passed away today, May 28, 2026, at the age of 100. Following his lifelong commitment to human welfare, Fr. Lourdes’ body was donated to the Calcutta National Medical College for academic and medical research, fulfilling his final wishes for selfless service.

A solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at the Nitika Chapel within Nitika Don Bosco, Tangra, where Fr. Lourdes had spent his final years. The liturgy was offered by Fr. Sunil Kerketta, Provincial of the Kolkata Province, drawing religious leaders, Salesian confreres, relatives, and regular citizens to pay their final respects. The service highlighted his profound influence on the psychological and spiritual landscapes of the Catholic Church in India. In accordance with his humble nature, no official obituary messages were read. Instead, the gathered mourners paid tribute through the offering of wreaths, flowers, and flower petals.

Born on March 19, 1926, Fr. Lourdes dedicated 83 years of his life to religious profession and 72 years to the priesthood. He achieved distinction as the first Indian national to serve as Principal of Salesian College, Sonada (1967–1970), and was a founding pillar and former director of the National Vocation Service Centre (NVSC) in Pune.

In his later years, Fr. Lourdes gained widespread public admiration when, at the age of 94, he successfully survived a severe battle with COVID-19 at Fortis Hospital Anandapur. A memorable photograph captured him hoisting the Indian Tricolour on Independence Day 2020 shortly after being taken off oxygen support, a moment hospital officials called a "symbol of hope and clinical excellence."

Church leaders and colleagues emphasized that his final act perfectly mirrored a lifetime spent breaking conventional boundaries to serve the community. Driven by a personal desire to support the advancement of medical science, Fr. Lourdes had voluntarily drafted a will declaring that his body be used for medical studies. Immediately following the chapel services, his body was transferred to the hospital before being handed over to the medical college to fulfill his final wish.

DHAKA, 28 November 2025 – In a moment of profound joy for the Catholic Church in Bangladesh, Rev. Sentu Lawrance Biswas SDB was ordained a priest on Friday at St. John Bosco Church, Moushair, Uttara, Dhaka. The ordination was conferred by Most Rev. James Romen Boiragi DD, Bishop of Khulna, for the Salesian Province of Kolkata (INB). With this sacred rite, Fr. Sentu becomes only the third Bangladeshi Salesian priest in the country’s history, marking a significant milestone for the local Church and the Salesian family.

The celebration drew Salesian representatives from India, including Fr. Provincial Joseph Pauria SDB, Fr. Bikash Mondal SDB (Youth Director & Vocation Promoter), Br. Johny SDB, and Fr. Nirmal Toppo SDB (Director, Nitika Don Bosco Studio). The following day, 29 November, Fr. Sentu celebrated his First Thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Church in his hometown of Shimulia, Jessore, Khulna. Before offering the Eucharist, the newly ordained priest paused to pray at the graves of his departed loved ones, a moving gesture of gratitude and remembrance.

Echoing the words of Our Lady, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38), Fr. Sentu begins his priestly ministry under the protection of Mary Help of Christians and St. John Bosco, with a special mission to bring Christ’s love to the young people of Bangladesh. The entire Church in the country rejoices and prays for his fruitful service ahead.

KOLKATA, 8 November 2025 – The Vicar of the Rector Major departed Kolkata for Rome today, concluding a 12-day consultation tour across South INC to discern the next Provincial. The final session took place on 6 November from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Nitika Don Bosco Conference Hall, 4th Floor, Provincial House, with Salesians from Krishnagar to Diamond Harbour in attendance.

The tour began in Bangladesh from 27 to 30 October, continued in Nepal from 30 October to 1 November, and concluded in India (Kolkata) from 1 to 8 November. During his Kolkata visit from 6 to 8 November, the Vicar met with confreres and Salesian Family members, celebrated the Holy Eucharist at Mother House MC, attended House Council at DBPC, visited Don Bosco Ashalayam centres, met the Provincial Council, delivered a Good Night Talk, and was honoured with a farewell dinner at the Provincial House.

The consultations reaffirmed unity and mission fidelity across Bangladesh, Nepal, and South Bengal in the spirit of Don Bosco.

SONADA, Darjeeling – October 28, 2025 – The curatorium of Salesian College Sonada met today on the college premises to evaluate and study the formation process.

The meeting included the four provincials of INC, INN, ING and INS, along with the house council, the Principal and rector of Siliguri college community.

Sonada, 11 July, 2025 - The vestition ceremony of thirteen recently professed brothers from the Salesian provinces of Kolkata and New Delhi was held with due solemnity and joy on 10th  July, 2025 at the Seminary Chapel of Salesian College, Sonada. 

These eleven brothers had their novitiate in the province of Bangalore where it is customary not to have clothing ceremony during the phase of novitiate formation.  Two brothers hailing from the diocese of Darjeeling too did not have their vestition. 

The celebration was presided over by Rev. Stephen Lepcha, Bishop of Darjeeling, and concelebrated by five Salesian priests. In his homily, Bishop Lepcha reflected on the deep significance of the religious habit, emphasizing that it is not merely a garment but a sign of the brothers’ dedication, identity, and mission. He reminded them of the responsibilities that come with wearing the habit, urging them to live lives of humility, service, and fidelity to their vocation.

The brothers who received the habit were Praful Dung Dung, Josh Hembrom, Paulus Hembrom, Ranjit Kujur, Kuldip Lakra, Telesphore Soreng, and Charlesh Murmu from the Salesian Province of Kolkata;  Amar Kujur, Anmol Tirkey, and Samir Ekka from the Province of Delhi. Two brothers ,Vivek George Rai and Cyril Pem Tshering Lepcha are from the Diocese of Darjeeling.

The ceremony concluded with congratulatory songs and a short felicitation programme to honour the newly vested brothers. The day ended with a joyful photo session, capturing the grace-filled moments of the celebration. 

Br. Abhishek Rai SDB

Shillong, 1 July 2025: A wave of joy and reverence enveloped the Sacred Heart Theological College (SHTC), Mawlai, Shillong, as 24 Salesian and religious brothers were ordained to the Diaconate during a solemn Eucharistic celebration on July 1, 2025, at 6:45 AM. The liturgy, presided over by Most Rev. Bernard Laloo, DD, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Shillong, marked a significant milestone for the Salesian Province of Kolkata (INC), which proudly welcomed three new deacons: Dn. Sentu Lawerence Biswas, Dn. Bernard Mardi, and Dn. Suleman Tudu.

The ordinandi represented various Provinces and Congregations across India, including the Salesian Provinces of Shillong (INS), Guwahati (ING), Dimapur (IND), Bangalore (INK), Hyderabad (INH), and the TOR Congregation. The Salesian Province of Kolkata rejoiced in the presence of its confreres who played key roles in the deacons’ journey. Fr. Biji Thomas, a revered retreat preacher from the Kolkata Province, animated the ordinandi’s preparatory retreat, guiding them with spiritual wisdom. Fr. James Chacko, who served as their philosophate rector at Sonada, was also present, witnessing the fruit of their formation.

In his homily, Bishop Laloo emphasized the deacon’s identity as a servant in the image of Christ. Quoting Scripture, he said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” He urged the deacons to remain grounded in prayer, humility, and charity, stating, “Like Christ who knelt to wash His disciples’ feet, you too must be willing to serve.” He further advised, “Speak not to impress people but to change them; not to insult, but to inspire.”

The ordination Mass drew a large gathering of priests, religious, staff, students, and well-wishers, with the celebration streamed live via Don Bosco Media, Shillong, allowing global participation. The Salesian Province of Kolkata joins the universal Church in celebrating Dn. Sentu, Dn. Bernard, and Dn. Suleman, praying for their fruitful ministry in proclaiming the Gospel, serving the Sacraments, and uplifting the People of God.