The Delhi Region of Jesus, the Good Shepherd Province, New Delhi, celebrated the Salesian Family Day and New Priests’ Day on 1st March, 2022 at Don Bosco Provincial House, New Delhi. A total of 70 members of the Salesian Family (SDB, FMA, MSMHC, SMI, Co-operators) was present for the occasion. The gracious presence of Rev. Fr. Biju Michael, the General Councillor for South Asia Region added solemnity to the familial gathering.
Following the tradition of Salesian Family Day celebration, the day began with the presentation of the Strenna of Rector Major. Prior to this, the Rector of the Provincial House, Fr. Vargehse Palattykoonathan welcomed the assembly. Rev. Fr. Davis Maniparamben, the Provincial then welcomed and felicitated Fr. Biju Michael, the General Councillor with a bouquet and a Shawl. “It is a rare and privileged moment to have the presence of the General Councillor for the twin celebration of the Salesian Family Day and New Priests’ Day,” he said in his felicitation speech. Later, Fr. Arvind Kujur, who was to present the STRENNA too was welcomed.
Fr. Arvind Kujur ‘s presentation of the Strenna was crisp and to the point. He summarized the entire Strenna into three points : 1) Do nothing through constraint. 2) Live life in God. 3) Dealing with people in a kind and friendly way. 4) Love should be unconditional and unrestrained. 5) Do all through love.
Thereafter, Fr. Joseph Manippadeth (INC), South Asia Delegate for the Salesian Family, presented the challenges taken up by the South Asia Region to implement the exhortations of the Strenna. The salient features are mainly culled out from point no. 4 and 6 of the Strenna.
- Give time to the Young to listen and be available to welcome, interact, guide, and accompany them fulfilling Don Bosco’s desire to become the “soul friend” in tangible Salesian ways.
- Guide families to motivate their children to accompany them to grow as God oriented and upright Christians in the true Salesian characteristic style of “gentleness and patience”.
- Reach out to those in need to extend help and consolation to the elderly, the sick, those in prison or in the periphery spending time with them to console, care and support in all possible ways.
- For the young: As spiritual guides we enable them to revere God, respect elders, appreciate the joy of living in the family instilling passion and perseverance in study and work and live upright lives.
- For Families: We suggest that we become care givers to the families in the neighbourhood to guide & help them ward off disputes and divorce and remain focused on values that matter.
- For people in the Parish: 3 initiatives. i) Promote frequent use of the word of God ii) Provide spiritual guidance and support for oneself and others iii) Seek holiness and inspire others by nourishing oneself on prayer, sacraments and seek everyday holiness.
Celebration of the Holy Eucharist took place thereafter, wherein four new priests of the province – Fr. Abhay Minz, Fr. Anbarasan Balthasar, Fr. Jerome Sudeep and Fr. Sanjeet Kujur, were officially welcomed. The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Jerome Sudeep, and the homily was preached by Fr. Anbarasan Balthasar. In his homily Fr. Anbarasan stressed upon the spirituality of giving and giving up.
During the felicitation programme, the new priests were presented a shawl, New Delhi Province’s Silver Jubilee memento and a pyx each. The Salesian Cooperators too welcomed the new priests with a song and gifts. Fr. Biju Michael, General Councillor, while conveying the message and wishes of the Rector Major said : “The Rector Major has kept the portfolio of Salesian Family to himself, because he loves the members of the Salesian Family very much.”
Addressing specially to the new priests Fr. Davis Maniparamben, the provincial put before them few practical advice. 1) Always seek the heart of Jesus. 2) Love the Holy Mass. 3) Stay close to the Blessed Mother. 4) Remember, you are a priest always and everywhere. A priest acts in Persona Christi.
The students of Don Bosco Technical Institute, Okhla presented a song and a dance, while Sr. Prema (FMA) compered the felicitation programme. Vice Provincial, Fr. Vijay Soy oversaw the organization and execution of the entire programme.