The Salesian Family Congress of South Asia was held from 26-28 September 2015 at Don Bosco Liluah, Kolkata. 1900 family members participated from 12 groups of the Salesian Family. The Theme of the Congress was “One Family and One Mission”. This mega event was well thought out to commemorate the finale of Don Bosco’s Birth Bicentenary. It was organised by the Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia and co-ordinated by Fr. Noel Madhichetty, Salesian Family Delegate South Asia and convened by Fr. Nirmol Gomes, Provincial of Kolkata in collaboration with all the members of the Salesian Family. 112 FMA’s from all the six Provinces of India were part of this memorable celebration.  It was an occasion to come together as a Family.

Rector Major Rev.Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, the 10th successor of Don Bosco was  accompanied by Fr. Ivo Coelho, the General Councillor for Formation, Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga, South Asia Regional Councillor, Fr. Giuseppe Casti, the World Delegate for Salesian Cooperators, and Fr. Horacio López, the Secretary of the Rector Major. All the Salesian Provincials of the South Asia Region too participated in the historical event.
He visited many places such Mother Teresa’s Tomb, Don Bosco Ashalayam, Mirpara and the world headquarters of the Hindu religious order of  the Rama Krishna Mission at Belur Math  and inaugurated a mural by an alumnus depicting the life and mission of  Don Bosco at Don Bosco Liluah.  He offered the Holy Eucharist and interacted with the members of the Salesian Family.

On 26^th September the inaugural Eucharist was presided over by Archbishop Thomas D`Souza of Kolkata with the Provincials of South Asia. This was followed by the felicitation of the various guests and dignitaries. In the afternoon His Excellency the Governor of West Bengal Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi, delivered the inaugural address during which he appreciated the immense service rendered by the Salesian Family and inaugurated the exhibition highlighting the origin and mission of the members of the Salesian Family.   Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga, the Regional Councillor South Asia delivered the key note address ‘One Family One Mission’. He exhorted the participants to work together as a Salesian family and not as individuals. The long awaited moment arrived at 17:30 hrs the arrival of the Rector Major Rev.Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, the 10th successor of Don Bosco. He was welcomed to the Becchi hall with a traditional dance and later with a floral tribute & a shawl. Mr. Conrad Saldanha co-ordinated the panel discussion participated by the representatives of the Salesian Family which was followed by a cultural programme. At the close of the day Rector Major during the Good Night offered 3 key elements for the Salesian Family in South Asia ‘Respect, Love and Communion’ between the members of the Salesian Family members.

On 27^th September, Archbishop Thomas Menamparambil, presided over the concelebrated Eucharist. Archbishop Menamparambil delivered an appealing homily on humility. He invited the audience to be careful when one succeeds and to follow the example of Don Bosco. He also quoted the living example of Pope Francis.

On 28^th September, 134 new co-operators were added to the Salesian family by taking the promise during the Eucharistic celebration. As the fruit of the SFC, the gathering drew up the vision statement to work together as one family and to give life and vivacity to the Salesian Family and its mission. “We, the members of the Salesian Family, the disciples of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, rooted in the Eucharist, the Word of God and guided by Mary Help of Christians, imbued with the spirit, mind and heart of Don Bosco, enriched by our diverse, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, respecting the individual identity of each group and in communion with one another, resolutely move forward as mystics in the Spirit, prophets of fraternity and servants of the young, to be at the service of the Church, especially the young who are poor and at risk, and families through mutual collaboration, shared responsibility and accountability”.
The climax of the Bicentenary Celebration of Don Bosco’s birth reached its highest peak on 28^th September at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata. The grand finale was attended by civil and religious authorities and the participants of Salesian Family Congress.  Students from various Salesian Family institutes offered a cultural fiesta and a musical performance by alumni singers. Rector Major Rev.Fr Ángel Fernández Artime urged the audience to carry on the legacy left by Don Bosco for the young people.

Sr.Mini Chettayil