In the Silver Jubilee Year of the Province of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the 9th Provincial Chapter of the Salesian Province of New Delhi commenced at 9.00 am on 14th February, 2022 at Don Bosco Specialized Training Centre, Okhla, New Delhi in the presence of 52 Chapter members and observers comprising of youth and lay collaborators. The triennial event of the Province was blessed with the presence of His Grace, Most Rev. Anil J.T. Couto, Archbishop of New Delhi. Representatives from the Salesian family – Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, Disciple Sisters and Co-operators expressed their solidarity with the Salesians with their loving presence. At the chair was Fr. Davis John Maniparamben, fifth Provincial Superior and Fr. Dr. Sajan M. George who conducted the ceremonial event as the moderator of the chapter.
The inaugural ceremony included a welcome address by the Provincial, short prayer service and the presentation of the theme of the Chapter: “What kind of Salesians for the Youth of Today? Fr. Sajan briefly explained with a power point presentation the four tasks of the chapter, namely, Salesian Vocation and Formation, Absolute priority for the young, Collaboration with others and Financial Resource Management and Administration. The messages of Fr. Stefano Martoglio, Vicar of Rector Major and Fr. Biju Michael, General Councillor for South Asia were read out. On this auspicious occasion, the official YouTube channel of the province – Don Bosco Delhi Province – was inaugurated by His Grace, Anil J. T. Couto.
Speaking on the occasion, the Archbishop of New Delhi appreciated the Salesians for their contribution to the Church by their fidelity to the charism of Don Bosco. He highlighted the services rendered to the Church of New Delhi through the various Salesian institutions. He presented Don Bosco as the model of Salesian youth pastoral service by underlining the words of St. John Bosco as given in the office of Reading for 31st January, feast of the saint. His address to the chapter members and others present was thought provoking, inspiring and challenging. The salient points of his talk were: the youth of today are confused and misguided; they need to be cared with love and affection; the charism of Don Bosco is to be lived with zeal; the signs of the time must be recognized and interpreted to meet the needs of the young with creativity and dynamism.
The other high point of the opening day of the Provincial Chapter was the presentation of the state of the province by Fr. Provincial. He was ably assisted by Fr. Biju Abraham, the Provincial Economer, who presented the financial aspect of the report.
The evening session of the day was spent on further reflection and discussion on the state of the province. The enthusiasm, positivity and fraternal spirit was apparent in the discussion that ensued on the state of the Province as presented by Fr. Provincial.
The assembly concluded the day by praying the vespers and the traditional Good Night talk by Fr. Davis Maniparamben, the Provincial.