(ANS – Kolkata) – The visit of the Rector Major to the Salesian Province of Kolkata (INC) reached its grand finale on Sunday evening at Don Bosco Park Circus, Kolkata, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration followed by a rich and vibrant cultural program, bringing to a close both the Rector Major’s visit and the centenary celebrations of the Province.

Holy Eucharist at Don Bosco Auditorium

At 5:00 p.m., the Rector Major presided over the Holy Eucharist at the Don Bosco Auditorium, concelebrated by the Provincials of the South Asia Region, along with major superiors from various religious congregations, Salesians, members of the Salesian Family, religious, priests, parish youth, and a large gathering of the faithful.

In his homily, drawing inspiration from the Gospel passage, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world,” the Rector Major reflected on Christian identity and responsibility. He emphasized that Jesus does not invite believers to become salt and light, but declares who they already are.

Inviting the assembly to deepen their awareness of this God-given identity, the Rector Major reminded them that Christians are not spectators but active participants in God’s plan—called to be peacemakers, community builders, and witnesses of hope. Recalling the 100-year journey of the Salesian presence in Kolkata, he paid tribute to those who came before, who lived the Gospel according to the charism of Don Bosco by being salt and light in their contexts.

He further underlined that while this identity is a gift freely given by God, what one does with it becomes a matter of freedom and responsibility. Referring to Don Bosco’s own life—marked by poverty yet sustained by faith and determination—the Rector Major highlighted how grace, when embraced responsibly, can transform both individuals and societies.

Calling the Salesian Family to renewed commitment, he stressed that the mission today continues through education, pastoral care, accompaniment of the poor, and service to young people without distinction of religion, caste, or ethnicity. Concluding his homily, he encouraged all present to remain humbly rooted in their identity, freely and responsibly engaged, so that the light may guide and the salt may give flavor to today’s world.

Cultural Program at Don Bosco Grounds

At 6:30 p.m., the celebrations continued at the Don Bosco Grounds with a grand cultural program, thoughtfully curated to narrate the century-long Salesian journey through music, dance, visual storytelling, and symbolic gestures of gratitude.

The program opened with an introduction followed by the Centenary Anthem, setting a tone of thanksgiving and hope. Fr. Joseph Pauria, the outgoing Provincial, then offered words of welcome, after which a Bengali cultural welcome dance warmly received the Rector Major and the distinguished guests.

Addressing the gathering, the Rector Major shared a heartfelt message, noting how the presentations reflected the quiet yet powerful way the Salesian charism continues to bear fruit, often in hidden and humble ways. He acknowledged the collaboration of countless Salesians and lay mission partners who, inspired by the Gospel and the charism of Don Bosco, have worked tirelessly for the education and integral development of young people.

Reflecting on the changing context of society, the Rector Major observed that while 2026 is very different from 1926, the fundamental needs of young people—education, meaning, dignity, and hope—remain unchanged. Poverty, he noted, has become a global reality, intensified by conflict, displacement, and inequality, making the Salesian mission more relevant than ever.

He reaffirmed that the response of the Salesian Family lies in integral education—educating the mind and the heart, the human and the spiritual—through the Preventive System, marked by reason, religion, and loving-kindness. Serving young people, regardless of background, religion, or social condition, he stressed, is not only a mission but a responsibility.

Concluding his message, the Rector Major expressed the hope that when future generations look back in 2126, they may recognize that the Salesian Family of today faithfully received the charism, nurtured it with hope, and allowed it to grow through loving service to the young.

After the felicitation of the guests on the dais by Fr. Joseph Pauria and Fr. Sunil Kerketta, the cultural segment continued with a vibrant Adivasi dance presentation by the Don Bosco Liluah Parish, reflecting the Province’s deep commitment to indigenous communities and cultural inclusion. The Past Pupils of Don Bosco Park Circus then expressed their gratitude by felicitating the Rector Major.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Fr. Sunil Kerketta, the new Provincial, followed by an energetic band performance by the Old Students of Don Bosco Park Circus, bringing the celebrations to a joyful close.

The program ended in an atmosphere of joy, gratitude, and renewed commitment, marking a fitting conclusion to the Rector Major’s visit and to the centenary celebrations of the Salesian Province of Kolkata, as the Province looks forward with hope to the next hundred years of service to young people.