(ANS – Ranchi) – The Rector Major arrived at Don Bosco Kokar, Ranchi, after an overnight stay at Don Bosco Hatia. He was received along with Fr Horacio López his personal secretary, Fr. Maria Arokiam the Regional Councillor for South Asia, Fr. Jose Mathew Provincial New Delhi and other dignitaries.

After the initial welcome ceremonies the group of visitors was ushered in to the venue of the celebrations. The Holy Eucharist in the Hindi language began at 9.00 a.m. with Fr Jose Mathew presiding, about fifty concelebrants who came from near and far. There was a good participation by Salesian family members - Salesian Sisters (FMA), Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMI), Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC), Disciples, Salesian Cooperators and the past pupils. Parishioners from the Jharkhand region came in large numbers to be part of this historic event.

Young people from the region of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Orissa presented a well-articulated cultural feast depicting the ethnic characteristics of the people. Moved by the simplicity of the people, the Rector Major thanked them for their heart rending welcome. He spoke about the great future that India has ushered in with the young people as active participants with their full potential.  He commented on the cultural diversity of the region and the ethnic unity found in such diversity. Fr. Shilanand the Rector of Kokar and his dedicated team of Salesians and lay people saw to it that this event was truly historic and memorable.

In the evening hours, the Rector Major and the others paid a visit to Don Bosco School in Garigaon. The school caters for around 700 students from the poorer section of society. He was given a traditional welcome marked by simplicity and great love. The Rector Major visited the school premises and complimented the staff for their commitment to the cause of the poor.

Later, the Rector Major proceeded to the Youth Centre at Bariatu. Dressed in local costume presented by the young people, he greeted them with some words in the local language. He spoke informally to the Salesians of the Region for an hour.

The events of the day culminated with a meeting with his Eminence Cardinal Telesphore Toppo. The Rector Major thanked his Eminence profusely for his gracious presence. Speaking informally the Cardinal thanked the Rector Major and communicated that this meeting was the real climax of his long lasting relationship with the Salesians.  Cardinal Telesphore and the Rector Major blessed and inaugurated the new wing of the youth centre. Fr. Ashok and the community members did an excellent job in making all the arrangements.

The Rector Major and his entourage were received at Indira Gandhi International airport at 11.30 a.m. on 3rd October 2015 by Fr Swanoop Chowdhury, Rector of Ashalayam; Fr Joy Jacob, Rector of the Provincial House and the other community members. They were led to Ashalayam, (which means ‘abode of hope’) where there is a Salesian house for street children.  The children welcomed the Rector Major with song and dance in the traditional Indian Style.  He later greeted the Salesian Sisters who run Snehalaya, (which means ‘house of love’), where street children are accommodated.

Later in the afternoon the Rector Major left for Jhajjar a village in Haryana state where the Salesians cater for the poor children of brick layers.  The Rector, Fr Charles Xalxo, and the community members welcomed the Rector Major.  A short cultural programme was held during which Ms. Margaret, a social worker from Madrid, explained about the work that is going on for the poor children with the help of some funding agencies. Later the Rector Major proceeded to the brick- making factories to see the area where the children work. He was really moved by the deplorable living conditions and the circumstances of work.

At around 5.00 p.m. the Rector Major left for Najafgarh, another community where there is a parish and a centre for young people at risk. On his arrival, the Rector Fr Joseph Kezhakkekara and other community members, Salesian Family members presented him with garlands and bouquets.  After spending an hour at the centre and greeting the members, the Rector Major and his Secretary Fr Horacio Lopez accompanied by Salesian confreres to the airport to leave for Rome.

Published 5/10/2015