MINISTRIES

Kathmandu, July 17, 2025 — Fr. Stephen Biswakarma, Rector and Director of Don Bosco SHARE, Nepal, recently participated in the Rectors and Parish Priests Programme held from July 15 to 17, 2025. The programme, a key event in the Salesian calendar, was organized by the Salesians of Don Bosco Kolkata Province and took place at the Don Bosco Provincial House in Kolkata.

The three-day event brought together rectors and parish priests from across the province, providing a vital platform for reflection, leadership formation, and pastoral collaboration. The programme aimed to strengthen the Salesian spirit of communion and enhance the effectiveness of local leadership in guiding communities in accordance with the charism of St. John Bosco.

Participants engaged in a series of sessions focused on spiritual renewal, administrative responsibilities, pastoral challenges, and the evolving role of Salesian leaders in contemporary society. Discussions also emphasized the importance of synodality, collaborative decision-making, and mission-focused governance.

Fr. Stephen’s participation highlighted the growing engagement and contribution of the Salesian presence in Nepal within the broader Kolkata Province. Representing Don Bosco SHARE, an organization actively working in the fields of education, youth empowerment, and social outreach, Fr. Stephen shared valuable insights from the Nepal mission while also gaining renewed inspiration for local initiatives.

"The programme was both spiritually enriching and practically insightful," Fr. Stephen said. "It was a valuable occasion to learn, share, and reflect alongside fellow Salesian leaders. I return to Nepal with a deepened sense of mission and commitment to our work with the young and the marginalized."

The meeting concluded with a closing message from the Provincial of the Kolkata Province, who emphasized unity, pastoral dedication, and fidelity to the Salesian mission. The formal programme was followed by a fraternal lunch, marking the end of the gathering in a spirit of shared commitment and brotherhood.

Kathmandu, February 15 — Fr. Stephen Biswakarma, Rector of Don Bosco Institute Thecho and Director of Don Bosco SHARE, (Nepal Don Bosco Society) Nepal, recently participated in a landmark programme organized by the Catholic Bible Federation (CBF) of South Asia, the regional arm of the global Catholic Biblical Federation. The event, which focused on promoting biblical literacy and engagement, brought together clergy, religious leaders, and laypeople from across South Asia, including Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

The Catholic Bible Federation of South Asia is widely recognized for its mission to deepen the understanding of Scripture and encourage its integration into daily Christian life. Through a series of workshops, training sessions, and conferences, the Federation equips participants with the resources necessary for meaningful engagement with the Bible.

Its initiatives include translation efforts, publications, and the development of digital platforms aimed at making biblical texts accessible across the region’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape. In collaboration with local churches and institutions, the Federation also organizes scripture study programs, Bible-themed events, and interfaith dialogues—efforts that foster unity, understanding, and spiritual growth.

Fr. Biswakarma emphasized the relevance of such gatherings in addressing modern-day challenges through a biblical perspective. “The Bible is not merely a historical document; it is a living guide that calls us to pursue justice, peace, and holistic development,” he said. “Programmes like these empower us to apply its teachings in our everyday lives and ministries.”

The programme concluded with a collective pledge to advance biblical literacy and strengthen collaboration among member organizations across the region.

Birbhum, Feb 6:  A new multi-purpose hall at Don Bosco Barapahari, a mission parish in Birbhum district, is set to be inaugurated and blessed on February 7, 2025.

The parish, which serves around 1,500 families and hosts two large boarding schools with 300 children, managed by the Salesians and the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC), will greatly benefit from the new hall.

The mission work in Barapahari began in 1989 under the patronage of Mary Help of Christians, with the boarding school starting in 1991. Over the years, the parish has grown, with the MSMHC Sisters joining in 1999.

The new hall is a long-cherished dream of the parish, which will host various events, especially during major feasts. The construction was made possible with support from the province.

The inauguration and blessing of the hall will mark a significant milestone in the parish's journey, recognizing the dedicated efforts of the confreres, Sisters, and collaborators of the Barapahari mission.

Kathmandu, January 14: The Salesian Family in Nepal came together for a virtual study and reflection on the 2025 Strenna, "Anchored in Hope, Pilgrims with Young People." This online event, coordinated by Fr. Augusty Pulickal, enabled participation from all nine Salesian (SDB) and two FMA (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians) presences in Nepal.

Fr. George Anil Kujur led the presentation, exploring the Strenna and its relevance to Don Bosco's writings and Salesian documents. A lively discussion followed, chaired by Fr. Stephen, Rector of Don Bosco Thecho, where participants shared practical ways to live the Strenna in their communities.

The session concluded with a message from Fr. Sunil Kerketta, Vice-Provincial, emphasizing the importance of making Salesian settings welcoming and inclusive, and addressing the concerns of young people.

The virtual event was a testament to the Salesian Family's commitment to unity, hope, and accompaniment of young people, even across distances.