(ANS - Rome) –At the start of the summer session of the General Council of the Salesians, last June 1, 2015, the first appointments have been announced: the new director of the Salesian Historical Institute is Fr Thomas Anchukandam, former Provincial of Bangalore (2009-2015); the new director for the Blessed Michael Rua Community-General House is Fr Manuel Jiménez Castro, former Superior of the Tropical Equatorial Africa (2010-2015).

At its meeting today, Tuesday, June 2, the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Artime Frenandez and the General Council, first thanked Fr José Manuel Prellezo (out-going director of the Historical Institute) and Fr. Giuseppe Nicolussi (out-going director of the General House) for their generous service and availability. Similarly he thanked those who will assume their new positions.

For the Salesian Historical Institute, Fr Thomas Anchukandam, was born on May 17, 1955 in Anthinadu, Kerala (India). He made his novitiate in Yercaud where he professed on 24 May 1974. He made his final profession in Irinjalkuda on 25 May 1981. He was ordained a priest in Kuravilangad, December 27, 1984, and was sent to Rome where he studied Church History at the Gregorian University. Later he specialized in New Delhi. In his Province of Bangalore Fr. Thomas was a Provincial Councillor, Delegate for formation and Provincial. At the end of this assignment he passes to the General House, where he will serve as the new  Director of the Historical Institute.

Fr Manuel Jiménez will be the new rector of Pisana, the international community which brings together the confreres who provide a service in the different sectors of the mission of the Congregation.

Born on Oct. 23, 1959 in Tarifa, Spain, he did his novitiate at Cabezo De Torres, his first vows on August 28, 1977 and his perpetual vows in 1983. Ordained a priest on 17 May 1986, Fr Jimenez was director of the Sanlucar Mayor in 1991 and, in the same house, he was the master of novices until 1996, the year he left for Togo. In 2004 the Rector Major appointed him Superior of the "French-speaking West Africa" (AFO) dedicated to "Our Lady of Peace." From 2009 to 2015 Superior of the "Tropical Equatorial Africa" (ATE), dedicated to "Our Lady of Africa".

Published 02/06/2015