Walking Together: A Synodal Journey with the Salesian Family in the Jubilee Year and Beyond

 

“When we forget our origins—the struggles, sacrifices, and vision of those who came before us—we risk losing our identity and mission.”

Introduction: Remembering Our Roots

On July 14, 2025, the first reading at Mass reminded us of a haunting reality: “Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph” (Ex 1:8). In his homily, Fr. Francis Alencherry drew a profound connection to our own Salesian journey. Pharaoh’s ignorance of Joseph’s legacy led to fear and oppression of the Israelites. When we, too, forget our spiritual ancestors—Don Bosco, Mother Mazzarello, and the pioneering missionaries in our region—we risk falling into a similar pattern: fear, complacency, and disconnection from our original charism. He emphasized that forgetting our spiritual origins and the centrality of Christ, has the same dangerous effect on us.

As the Salesian Province of Kolkata (INC) enters its centenary phase, and as the global Church celebrates the Jubilee Year of 2025, this is a kairos moment—a graced time—to look both backward and forward. The story of our beginnings is not just nostalgia; it is a compass guiding us into the future. Our forebearers imparted invaluable lessons through struggle and sacrifice. To forget them is to risk drifting into fear, routine, and loss of purpose.

The vision of Don Bosco was not confined to 19th-century Turin. His dreams were global, missionary, and inclusive—centred on Christ, the young, and the Church. The General Chapter 29 (GC29) of the Salesian Congregation boldly affirms this by urging every Salesian and lay collaborator to walk together on a synodal journey—listening, discerning, and building community.

The Role of Leadership in Preserving Charism

Imagine Don Bosco’s early Oratory scene—a prototype of pedagogy and community.

Leadership is not merely about administration. It is, at its heart, about safeguarding the spirit and ensuring that institutions remain faithful to their original fire. This insight was powerfully reinforced with the recent appointment of Fr. Mauro Mantovani as the Rector of the Salesian Community at the Holy See (July 12, 2025). In his installation message, Fr. Fabio Attard emphasized three essential marks of leadership that apply equally across our province and works:

• Christocentrism: A Salesian community must shine with the light of Christ. We are not social workers or educators first—we are disciples. When Christ is at the center, our mission finds its true energy and direction.
• Relationship with Jesus: If our roots are not deep in personal prayer and love for Jesus, our works may become efficient but hollow. Without Jesus, our Preventive System loses its soul.
• Community as Family: In a world marked by fragmentation and loneliness, young people are not seeking perfection or performance—they are hungry for authenticity, for belonging. A Salesian home must be just that: a home.

These principles are not exclusive to Rome. They are just as urgent in our houses in Kolkata, Krishnagar, Siliguri, Bangladesh, Nepal and beyond. Whether a Rector with decades of service or a young priest entering leadership, we are all called to be animators of communion, upholding Don Bosco’s legacy and translating it into new contexts. Salesian leaders are called to build “bridges of fraternity and service” by upholding Don Bosco’s charism and responding creatively to emerging challenges.

Collaboration with the Laity: A Synodal Imperative

The Synodal Church envisioned by Pope Francis calls for a radical shift: from doing things for the people to doing things with them. This is not a new idea for us. Don Bosco always believed in partnership—be it with Mamma Margaret, the first Co-operators, or his early lay supporters. Collaboration is not just strategic—it is theological. Vatican II and subsequent Salesian directives have emphasized the partnership between religious and laity in mission. This synodal “walking together” echoes the early belief of Don Bosco.

Today, that same vision is bearing fruit through vibrant lay movements and structures within the Salesian Family:

• Salesian Co-operators carry the spirit of the Preventive System into homes, workplaces, and parishes. Their daily witness makes Don Bosco’s dream tangible.
• Past Pupils are the living fruits of Salesian education, now making a difference in society—as professionals, politicians, parents, and priests.
• Associations like ADMA, Savio Clubs, SYM, and Vincent de Paul groups are cultivating faith, service, and joy among the youth, creating new spaces of encounter with Jesus.
• Parish Pastoral Councils and Economic Commissions ensure shared governance and accountability, embodying the principle of subsidiarity and empowering the baptized laity to exercise their full dignity and responsibility.

This synergy between religious and laypersons is not optional. It is a synodal necessity. It is the only way forward for our Province, especially as vocations among clergy decrease and the complexity of our mission grows. Lay formation, therefore, cannot be an afterthought. It must be at the heart of every Salesian institution. For a future Church with fewer clerical vocations and greater societal complexity, they are essential. Emphasizing lay formation and encouraging co-responsible leadership is crucial.

The Centenary Challenge: Renewing Our Mission

As we stand at the threshold of the 100th year of the Salesian Province of Kolkata (INC), it is a time not only for celebration but also for sincere examination  and intentional evaluation and commit to renewal. The spirit of a Jubilee is not triumphalism but teshuvah—a biblical return, a recommitment to the covenant.

Some urgent questions confront us:

• Are we faithfully transmitting Don Bosco’s charism to the next generation? Charism is not inherited automatically. It must be reinterpreted and re-owned by every new era. Are our schools, parishes, youth centres, and formation houses alive with Salesian passion and pedagogy?
• Are our structures and ministries still serving the poorest and most marginalized youth? Don Bosco’s preferential option was always for the abandoned and vulnerable. Have we become too institutional, too comfortable, too self-preserving? Where is the slum child, the tribal girl, the dropout boy, in our pastoral planning?
• How can we strengthen lay formation and leadership in our works? Formation is not just for novices and seminarians. Laypeople also need spaces for theological, spiritual, and leadership training—spaces that honour their vocation and equip them to co-lead the mission.

This centenary is a sacred challenge. It invites every Salesian house and work to look afresh at its vision, staffing, outreach, and effectiveness. This centenary is not simply a milestone—it is a mission calling. It demands review, prophetic choices, and courageous solidarity with those on the margins. It calls for both reform and revival—bold decisions, prophetic choices, and renewed solidarity with the poor.

The Spirituality of Walking Together

“Synodality” is not just a new buzzword. It is a spirituality—a way of being Church. Pope Francis describes it as “journeying together: laity, pastors, the Bishop of Rome” embracing shared mission and discernment. For the Salesian Family, this means rediscovering our identity as a people on the move—pilgrims and companions on a shared mission. GC29 embodied this through its structured working process—listening, discerning, proposing—across six commissions with intercultural participation.

Synodality demands listening—not only to the Holy Spirit but to each other. It requires letting go of clericalism and embracing shared discernment. It opens up space for voices from the margins: women, youth, lay leaders, persons with disabilities, and those from diverse cultures and faiths.

The Salesian way has always been communal and incarnational. From the Oratory of Valdocco to the schools of Siliguri, Nepal, Bangladesh, Krishnagar, hill institutions,  to the shelters in Kolkata, our strength has come from family spirit, from being among the people—not above them.

As Don Bosco once told his boys, “For you I study, for you I work, for you I live, and for you I am ready even to give my life” —this encapsulates the heart of synodal walking: humble, hopeful, and inclusive. That same pastoral heart must guide our journey today: humble, hopeful, synodal. We must recognize the voices of the margins—laywomen, youth, multicultural members, and those living on society’s peripheries—and truly listen.

Conclusion: A Future Built on Fraternity and Fidelity

In this Jubilee Year of 2025 and the centenary ahead, we embrace the Rector Major’s call: “Live your mission with passion and fidelity.” Passion invites us to dream anew; fidelity keeps us anchored to Christ and the charism. These twin beacons light our path forward. As we gather in various moments of community life—whether meetings, retreats, assemblies, or agape meals—let us do so not merely to organise events but to kindle communion.

As a Salesian Family—religious and lay, from youth councils to parish assemblies, from formation houses to mission fields—we recommit to the synodal journey. We plant ourselves firmly on the foundations laid in Turin—and at the oratory in Valdocco—but look ahead into the promise.

Passion means daring to dream again. Fidelity means remaining rooted in Christ and the charism. Together, they form the compass for our future.

The Jubilee Year 2025 is not the end of a journey—it is a new beginning. As we walk this synodal path—with the Salesian Family, with young people, with the Church universal—let us carry with us the memory of our founders, the courage of our predecessors, and the joy of the Gospel.

May Don Bosco, Mary Help of Christians, and all Salesian saints accompany us. May our unity, our shared mission, and our synodal way renew Don Bosco’s dream, transforming lives for generations to come.

"The Salesian Family does not walk alone. Together, in communion with the Church, we walk the path of renewal, fraternity, and mission—faithful to the dream that once began in a humble oratory in Turin, now blossoming across the world."

Bibliography

• Alencherry, Francis. Homily on Exodus 1:8 (July 14, 2025). Salesian Province of Kolkata, July 14, 2025.
• Attard, Fabio. Installation Address for Fr. Mauro Mantovani. Holy See Salesian Community, July 12, 2025.
• Bozzolo, Andrea, and Eunan McDonnell. "The Synodal Method in the General Chapter," Salesian Bulletin (Turin), March 4, 2025.
• Salesian Congregation. GC29: Working Document. South Asia Province. 2024.
• Salesian Congregation. "Chapter Members Working on the Three Core Themes of GC29." Salesian Bulletin, March 7, 2025.
• Salesian Congregation. "GC29: Walking Together with Unity and a Synodal Method." ANS – Turin, March 3, 2025.
• Vatican Council II. Lumen Gentium and Apostolicam Actuositatem. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1964.
• Vatican. “Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2025: Let us journey together in hope.” February 6, 2025. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/lent/documents/20250206‑messaggio‑quaresima2025.html
• Vatican II. Gaudium et Spes. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1965.
• Vatican II. Gravissimum Educationis. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1965.

ANNUAL FEAST OF OUR LADY OF HAPPY VOYAGE AT BANDEL BASILICA

 

The annual May Feast, a significant event for Bandel Basilica Parish and the Archdiocese of Calcutta, was celebrated on 3^rd May 2015 with the Solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Thomas D'Souza, accompanied by an entrance dance and lively hymns. Sixteen priests concelebrated. In his homily while describing the major Churches and Cathedrals of Rome, the Bishop reiterated how the late Pope Francis had deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. In fact, the Bishop stated that before each pastoral journey to various nations, he prayed for its success, and paid a return-visit with a bouquet of flowers in gratitude before the venerated image of ‘Salus Populi Romani’ (Protectress of the Roman people) in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major outside the  Vatican city, where he is now buried. He said that just as a revered image of the Virgin Mary was once carried in a solemn procession through plague-stricken Rome—bringing healing and saving thousands—so too does Our Lady of Happy Voyage of Bandel offer comfort and healing to the thousands of pilgrims who journey to her shrine in search of help and hope.  Basing on the Bible, the Bishop said that God is the maker of history and he continues making history even today in Bandel Basilica through Mary’s interventions, just as it happened at the marriage feast at Cana.

This was followed by a Marian procession in and around the campus lastly reaching the ground beside the river Hooghly, while reciting the Holy Rosary and singing hymns to Mary. Devotees followed in a procession, with the statue of Our Lady of Bandel, honored by the Mothers’ Sodality, lay parishioners, youth group, priests, aspirants from Don Bosco Seminary and other members of religious communities. In a homily preached by Fr. Mukul Mondol, a Redemptorist priest, spoke of the maternal protection of Mary on all faithful and her constant accompaniment with all who have deep devotion to her, having been inspired by Mary’s own faith, Fiat and motherly love. He said, a Mother, given to us by Jesus on the Cross, never forgets her children. She, as our heavenly Mother, comes down to walk with us on our daily journey, in our pains and sorrows, in times of need and hopelessness. She intercedes for us whenever we are in need of help. The procession culminated with the Eucharistic adoration.

This year’s celebrations carry extra significance as the Church observes the Jubilee Year 2025. On 3^rd May evening the celebration culminated with a special felicitation ceremony honoring jubilarians who are celebrating important milestones of 25, 50, or 60 years in their Marriage, Religious Profession, or priestly ordination, through words of appreciation and a short cultural programme organized by the Parish members where the youth took an active part.

The following day, 4^th May, Sunday, there was another Eucharistic Celebration at 9 a.m. presided over by  Archbishop Thomas D'Souza wherein 12 boys and girls received the Sacrament of confirmation. In his homily the Bishop said, God is love and mercy; and that Peter’s fearless preaching on Christ and his three-times re-confirmed assurance of love to Jesus’ repeated question –Do you love me?– is a witness for all of us to follow, which entails fear-free responsibility as soldiers of Christ to live the mystical life, death and resurrection of Christ, daily.  The two-day event concluded with a final hymn dedicated to Our Lady, and all the attendees left with renewed faith and a sense of community solidarity.

In anticipation of the annual May feast, besides the normal Novena with a Triduum consisting of procession, Rosary and a special prayer,  a group of passionate young devotees at this Marian shrine had launched an inspiring initiative to deepen Marian devotion within the parish community. Nine dedicated young individuals had created short meditative video reflections that blend historical insights with profound Eucharistic, Salesian and Marian themes, shared widely via the Basilica YouTube channel and other WhatsApp groups. Their heartfelt effort highlights the rich heritage of the shrine and fosters spiritual growth among fellow parishioners. Since April 25th, these reflections have been accessible on the Bandel Church website, reaching a broader audience and enriching the faith of many.

The much-anticipated two-day-long May feast of Our Lady of Happy Voyage continues to inspire devotion, with the faithful, volunteers, and young parishioners fostering a strong sense of community. Drawing hundreds of devotees, regardless of caste or creed, the shrine offers a deeply spiritual experience to all, welcoming families from diverse backgrounds and strengthening the bonds of faith in a place rich with history and devotion.

Since 1928, the Salesians of Don Bosco have been the devoted caretakers of Bandel Church, a historic Marian pilgrimage center in West Bengal that dates back to its founding by Portuguese missionaries in 1599. In recognition of its rich history and devotion, Saint Pope John Paul II elevated the church—dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Rosario, Our Lady of the Rosary— to the status of a Minor Basilica in 1999 during its 400th anniversary. The Basilica, commonly known as Bandel Church, stands as a powerful testament to faith and National-Christian heritage.

GENESIS'24 YOUTH FEST AT BANDEL BASILICA

 

     

Bandel Basilica, 17 November 2024: The highly anticipated Genesis'24 event, a youth-centric festival held on 17 November 2024 at the historic Bandel Basilica, was a remarkable day of community engagement, sportsmanship, and spiritual unity organized by the Youth of the Parish (SYM), in collaboration with volunteers, parish council members for youth, and young adults, and completed with remarkable success. The event brought together 21 parishes, fostering a spirit of community, celebration of faith, filled with energy, teamwork and creative expression.   

With the theme, "With God, everything is possible" (Lk 18:27), the festival showcased a dynamic lineup of events, each crafted to resonate with the participants' talents and dedication, which began after a solemn and uplifting Eucharistic celebration in a spirit of togetherness. 

Event Highlights

The youth of Bandel Basilica (SYM) organised this one-day event consisting  of Football (Kingsley Kickoff, 21 teams), Throw ball (Thunder Throws, 10 teams), Badminton (Sacred Smash, Mixed, 10 teams)  and Basketball (Heavenly Hoops, Mixed, 6 teams)  in the Don Bosco School premises.  There were more than four hundred youth who participated and engaged in various activities that celebrated both sportsmanship and artistry. 

The football matches, in particular, captured everyone’s attention, showcasing the extraordinary talent and teamwork of the players. Matches concluded by 5:30 p.m., leading to the much-anticipated closing ceremony.  These events not only tested the participants’ competitive edge but also encouraged them to explore the spiritual and artistic dimensions of their talents. 

Initially the organizers also planned to conduct: Street Play (Psalmistry), Dance (Gospel Grooves),  Singing (Majestic Melody), Open Style Cypher (Divine Dynamics), Photography (Lens of Love). Due to the lack of participants these events were cancelled.  

Community Participation and Spirit 

The collaboration between the youth and other groups ensured seamless execution and inclusivity throughout the day. Volunteers and parish council members played a pivotal role in organizing logistics, welcoming guests, and promoting a sense of belonging among all attendees. 

Participants from various institutions brought energy and enthusiasm, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Matches were intense, with spirited competition and enthusiastic spectators.  The diversity of events and activities reflected the organizers’ dedication to blending faith and fun, making the festival memorable for everyone involved. 

The evening ceremony began with a soulful performance of the Theme song, "In Your Grace", composed by Mrinmoy Murmu, a youth member, inspired by Psalm 139:7-10. 

Thereafter Fr. Siby Joseph Vadakel, SDB, Principal of Don Bosco Bandel and, Fr. John Chalil, Parish Priest of Bandel Basilica, inspired the audience with their words of words of encouragement and appreciation. 

The winners and runners-up in each category were celebrated for their achievements:  Badminton: St. John Boston's Parish Liluah; Throwball: St. Michael's Church, Premnagar; Basketball:   Christ the King Church, Park Circus; Football:  Sacred Heart Church, Burdwan.

The event concluded with a vibrant folk dance, where attendees joined in a joyful chain dance. This celebratory moment was a true testament to the unity and shared joy of the community. 

Genesis'24 proved to be an exemplary event that unified the youth under the shared banner of faith and creativity. The resounding success of the festival highlights the power of community and collective youth effort.  Looking forward, Genesis'24 has set a benchmark for future events, continuing to inspire and uplift the younger generation through such meaningful celebrations. 

 

 

Feast of the Holy Rosary at Bandel Basilica

 

The solemn celebration of the Feast of the Holy Rosary was observed at Bandel Basilica on the 9^th  and 10^th of November, 2024, with faithful pilgrims gathering in reverence to honor Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. This annual event, significant for its spiritual depth and community engagement, attracted devotees from various linguistic backgrounds especially from the Parish, from the Aspirantates and from other nearby parishes and villages, who united in prayer and worship.

On Saturday evening at 5 p.m. the Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza, Archbishop of Kolkata, who delivered a heartfelt homily focused on the theme of saying “YES” to God. Reflecting on Mary’s “Fiat” at the Annunciation, the Archbishop encouraged the congregation to embrace a similar openness in their own lives, responding affirmatively to God’s call, extending compassion to those in need, and nurturing personal growth in faith—a journey that begins at Baptism and continues through the reception of each Sacrament. The liturgy was enriched by readings led by members from diverse groups, with the Prayer of the Faithful organized by the Mothers’ Sodality and the Offertory dance procession by the Ferrando hostel  girls.

After the final Mass, a grand Eucharistic procession took place, following an organized route led by seminarians, youth groups, and parishioners, with the Blessed Sacrament and the Archbishop carried on a vehicle surrounded by flower girls. The procession, orderly and reverent, proceeded with pilgrims lining the route through the street, praying the Rosary and singing hymns in devotion setting a reflective tone that was carried into the solemn procession led by the Altar servers with a cross and candles.

Devotees followed in a procession, with the statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary honored by the Mothers’ Sodality, lay parishioners, youth group, priests and aspirants from Don Bosco Seminary and other religious sister communities. Special hymns, including “Khristo Debota,” were sung as part of the worship, creating a vibrant and unifying experience for all present. The Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament marked a solemn moment for attendees, who were moved by the prayerful atmosphere created by the Eucharistic celebration. In his  inspirational talk before the final benediction, Fr. Roshan Tirkey SJ, emphasized on Mary being our Mother, given to us through St. John at Calvary, and that as her good sons and daughters, we respect her as our closest dear Mother. Mrs. Agnes James, a Sunday Catechist, expressed heartfelt gratitude in a vote of thanks, recognizing the efforts of volunteers, religious sisters, and parish groups who made the event a spiritual success.

Sunday’s liturgical program on 10^th November included Masses in Hindi, Bengali, and English, reflecting the multicultural and multilingual composition of the congregation. The first service at 6:30 a.m. was conducted in Hindi, followed by Bengali Mass at 9:00 a.m., presided over by the Arch Bishop, wherein 16 boys and girls received the First Communion. The Prelate spoke of the gift of life of God  which is given to each Christian through the Eucharist, is to be lived through self-giving. There was an English Mass at 11:00 a.m.

The Feast of the Holy Rosary at Bandel Basilica was a deeply moving experience for all, inspired by Mary’s own faith, Fiat and surrender. The two-day event concluded with a final hymn dedicated to Our Lady, and all the attendees left with renewed faith and a sense of community solidarity.

The over-422 years old Bandel Shrine distinctively contributes to the spiritual growth of the ‘pilgrims’. Built in 1599 by the Portuguese, the Bandel Church dedicated to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, holds the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Happy Voyage, which has become the ‘faith-focus’ for the faithful and the pilgrims.

 

SALESIAN YOUTH FEST’23 (INC) AND IT’S FUTURE

 

After a long gap of two years, supported and encouraged by the Salesians, over 333 participants (SYM members) including 47 animators from various institutions of the Salesian Family (Kolkata Province) took part in the 7th edition of the Post-Covid Youth Fest, 20^th -23 January 2023, hosted at Don Bosco Park Circus based on the theme adapted from the Strenna 2023: “Let’s be yeast to our family: Education to the Social Media”, inviting young people to be protagonists of transformation in their families. It was set to focus on being the catalyst of positive impact in the human family. In total, 21 centres participated in the fest including Auxilium Convents at Bandel, Barasat and Dum Dum and few new Salesian presences e.g. Dumka, Gazol and Diamond Harbour. The young and energetic youth loved it, deserving Salesian dedication and the hard work put in by the Brothers of Sacred Heart Theological College Shillong and the Pre-Novices.  They are blessed to be ‘the burning Bush and the yeast in the families’.

 After the initial felicitation ceremony, the oath-taking was momentous that led the youth to pledge commitment, concern, and sensitive action towards the young and the environment. The DBPC School led by Mr. Peter Gomes (composer of the theme song melody) welcomed all. Each day began with Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist presided over by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza and Bishop Nirmol Gomes and the Provincial Fr. Joseph Pauria, respectively. The Archbishop, mentioning St. Agnes in his homily, spoke of the “joy of the youth in the world” with everyday courage against all world threats without hesitation because life is from God and it needs to be given back to God. Like daily shoe polishing, habits of virtues and values (life principles) are to be created like those of Carlo Acutos, Ruth, Naman, Dominic Savio, and Maria Goretti. He added, youth need to meet Christ in everything by practising courage and generosity. Like Jesus, youth be at service of the family and the society through Parish activities, bearing witness to Jesus’ life daily. On a similar note, Bishop Nirmol encouraged them to follow Jesus courageously like the two young men - a Hindu (19 year) and a Muslim (30 year, local acquaintances), staunch devotees of Christ, who freed them from darkness and transformed them to youth of dream and decision with boldness. Christian maturity depends on unity of heart and mind of the youth who experience the power of Christ’s resurrection, he said.

 A prayerful mix of devotion and music spiritually permeated the ambience led by choirs from three different institutions. Besides, there were intense moments of communication with the divine through adoration, procession, Rosary, and the Taize prayer with simple repetitive chants that prepared the youth for their spiritual growth through the sacrament of Reconciliation.  The Post-dinner theme-based competitions kept the youth engaged as groups, in giving their best.

 Various dignitaries including the rector of the Don Bosco Park Circus, chief guest Faizal Khan, the 66 Ward Councillor who inaugurated with the YF hoisting the SYM flag, and several educators, animators, priests, brothers and sisters of the Salesian family from West Bengal,  Sikkim, Jharkhand and Nepal offered floral homage. Mr. Khan, quoting APJ Abdul Kalam called on the youngsters to live life cultivating moral values, and to strive for knowledge and make the best use of the facilities that Don Bosco provides them. The rector of DBPC, in his earlier speech, motivated the youngsters to be good human beings, first. He said, education is for life, which is to be lived to love, share, salute and smile – being more human. In today’s competitive world, a Youth Fest is a learning experience to ‘be’ good and ‘do’ good.

 On the second day, most of the sessions were taken by the lay experts in their respective fields, including vocation animation and career guidance. They interacted with the youth to discuss the ways of becoming yeast for social change, held in Bengali Hindi, Nepali and Santhali languages. Sessions on the Strenna which is an annual message of the head of the Salesian Family, Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), Social Media and a quiz contest on Don Bosco and young saints were part of the days’ activities. The theme song-cum-dance, repeatedly added youthful expressions, on frequent basis during the day. The   cultural   dance competition with ethnic costumes and choreography enthralled the night, and it had strong celebratory cultural dance forms – a much needed innovation.

 Mr. Augustin Halder, a devout Catholic from Krishnagar, addressed a group in Bengali, distinguishing between yeast (originated in Egypt) and the baking powder used to make cake, adding how salt, light, mustard and fire act as catalysts either to grow or to destroy. Just as at conception wherein a little semen (yeast) fertilizes the ovum, bringing a new life in the family, radical change needs to happen in the life of the youth who will have to live with responsibility in the family, Church and in the society taking life as a gift to be utilized through integrated cooperation with God and the laity. Fr. Dipak, the Youth Director of Delhi Province speaking on SYM as a platform for social changes, citing the Rector Major Angel Fernandes Artime, recommended youth to join politics, while affirming Pope Paul VI: “Politics is the highest form of charity.” They are to follow a spirituality of religious dialogue, human rights, ecology and virtues.

According to the Principal Fr. Bikash Mondol of DBPC, YF is meant to help in the spiritual, social and career dimensions of the youth.  Mr. Simon Rozario of NIPs, who learnt things through managing opportunities, spoke of transformation through multitasking. Speaking on vocation, Fr. P.V. Thomas said, youth are called to respond to the inner desire to a fulfilled life: “You have a purpose to be on earth.” Youth is a moment for discernment for life in fullness; it is a call to holiness, to perfection, to happiness.

Touching on a different note, Mrs. Victtoria, a Salesian Cooperator, spoke of her life’s success out of sheer obedience to the Salesian Fathers and Sisters in her life.  She asked all youth to feel part of the Salesian family and live life fully, being a light of the world and allowing God to work in each individual, stating: “Life is precious, treasure it, mould it well with God.” Mr. Donald of DB Tech job placement office asked the youth to clarify doubt, clear questions for life’s career. To do so, one has to use the 6 senses to be fully conscious and tell what one wants to say – that is the root of a clear communication. Following the movie 3-idiots’ famous catch phrase ‘all is well’, an effort towards adaptability was suggested to the youth for the survival of the fittest (e.g. use of smart phone during the Covid-19 lockdown; persons writing less, work from home, companies adapting to new strategies for profit, etc.). In the Gen-Z era, digital literacy, use of social media, digital marketing, are a must (content writing, programming, coding, designing development, Web Development, Technological design,  knowledge on fake and real marketing, etc.). To enhance one’s job he recommends: dream big, work hard and fly higher. For this, education is important for learning than mere entertainment. Giving the example of the richest man on earth, Elon Musk, the speaker spoke of him being bankrupt in 2003, yet how he rose to riches. Therefore, beyond all greed, and being happy with what one has, one can strive to be successful. But one youth courageously asked: How successful is success? It was not easy to confirm a comma or full stop at being successful! It needed further discussion!

Mr. Robin Pal who is a member of the International Justice Mission, highlighted in Hindi on the Yeast that each youth is called to be in human family. So too, the Santhal youth interacted with Dr. Dablu Soren and Mr. John Mardy who are special officers at Directorate of Correctional Service of West Bengal, on the similar theme. Miss Jane Namchu, Additional Director General of Press Information Bureau Kolkata, engaged herself in an active discussion with the Nepali youth.

 The Provincial, Fr. Pauria, restating his written YF Message (booklet), said in his homily that to be successful youth need to be cheerful, do daily duty and serve others. These are the signs of holiness. Giving the example of Blessed Artime Zatti, he said that there was A-Z of holiness in him, that kept up his faith by doing good, sharing bread with the hungry (being yeast) like the Good Samaritan, dispelling darkness from the society. Unlike the Scribes who justified their actions, the youth of today need to go beyond their self-expressions (self-interest), and be a yeast, by letting go of the ego. He also noted on the sin of omission in youth, neglecting one’s duty to do good to the one in need. Citing the gospel of the day, he told the youth to go and do likewise in order to be neighbours to others. This has to be the priority in life more than temple service; to be compassionate missionary of mercy. His last mandate was: be available, be holy and be cheerful. Concluding the YF, the Youth Director Fr. Patrick Lepcha said: “Life is not measured by length but by its depth. Therefore, discern well. Use the values (sparks) in the parishes, and light the fire….” In his printed message (booklet) he laid out five ways of being yeast: faithful to religious practices; diligent in studies and work; discipline and honesty in attitudes; respect towards all people of all faith and care for the Mother Nature.

 At final evaluation at individual parish/institution level, the groups expressed their satisfaction with the YF and wished that it be continued annually. They have appealed to all the Salesians to accompany them effectively all through the year and conduct more animation programs in their respective parishes. The report of the organizers’ evaluation held on the final day is yet to be made public.

In conclusion, transforming youth into ‘yeast’ in human family, honestly speaking, calls for a radical change in organizing any future Youth Fest. Going beyond “personal capability and Pastoral charity”, as recommended to the Youth Ministry delegates from every South Asian Provinces (Chennai, 31 Oct- 4 Nov, 2022) by Fr. Miguel Garcia, General Councillor for Youth Ministry: implement the possible by getting into  a plan-mentality and develop Youth activity in keeping with the Salesian charism in the present context. Therefore, the logistics could have been better co-ordinated by effective use of the ‘too-many’ organizing handlers, wholly managed by the Youth Director himself. Through an abled distribution of roles, they should have facilitated more group discussions and common sharing on crucial issues concerning the youth of the province by the help of better qualified resource persons; how we can coordinate better the sectors of education (schools), Young at Risk, Youth Centres (Parish), and other youth related activities under the SYM with its methods of functioning, and resource support to sustain it. Lastly, a Gospel Band, as was planned (cf. YF booklet) would have done better than the ‘RR Band’!