Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) - Salesians in India are marking a hundred years of evangelisation and human promotion in India and fifty years of service in Sri Lanka helping street children and promoting reconciliation among Tamils and Sinhalese, in close collaboration with the local Catholic communities. Salesian Rector Fr Pascual Chávez travelled from Rome to be present for celebrations in both these countries.
The first Salesian mission arrived in Thanjavur, India in February in 1906 - according to Salesian bulletin Ans - and it was made up of three priests, a student, a helper and an aspirant. On 5 February 2006, a hundred years later, 24 young Salesians asked to be sent to Salesian missions anywhere in the world and were presented with the “missioners cross”. About a thousand young people and 100 Salesians gathered at Thanjavur in the southern state of Tamil Nadu for a thanksgiving ceremony for the centenary of Salesian service in India. Fr Chavez said consecrated life was important for Salesians who are first of all apostles of the Gospel and then people involved in social assistance. The rector expressed his gratitude because India has the second largest community of Salesians in the world.
Fr Francis Alencherry, general advisor for missions presented the 24 new missionaries with their destination Papua Nuova Guinea, Salomon Islands, Sudan, Hungary, South Africa, Zambia, Ethiopia and Angola.
Don Chávez reached India after taking part in celebrations for the 50th anniversary in Sri Lanka, where he met many young people. (Agenzia Fides 8/2/2006 righe 23 parole 246)
