The third continental seminar of ACSSA South Asia was held from 22-24 June 2018 at the Provincial House of the Hyderabad Province with 16 participants comprising of 7 Salesians and 9 Salesian Sisters, representing four Salesian and the seven FMA provinces respectively. The formal inaugural session on 22^nd at 9.30 a.m. set the tone to the seminar proceedings. Fr Thathireddy Vijay Bhaskar, Provincial of Hyderabad, presided over the session and inaugurated the seminar. In his presidential address he highlighted the importance of a faithful recording of history. Fr Thomas Anchukandam, Director of Istituto Storico Salesiano, Rome and member of Presidenza ACSSA gave the keynote address, stressing the exigency of continuity in the documented history of religious institutes, which calls for conviction, commitment and competence on the part of the one called to this mission.

The messages from the Rector Major Rev. Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, from the Mother General Rev. Sr. Yvonne Reungoat, from the Regional Councillor for South Asia Rev. Fr. Maria Arockiam Kanaga and from the President of ACSSA Rev. Fr. Francesco Motto were listened to fondly by the participants. These messages evoked a feeling of proximity of the Superiors at this seminar. Their words of appreciation at coming together to study the topic of “Incisive and Innovative Salesian Personalities of India” were of encouragement to the participants to continue as promoters of Salesian history in the region. The messages have motivated them to dedicate themselves even more enthusiastically to transmit the incisive and innovative contributions of our predecessors to the coming generations in order to ensure the future of the Salesian congregation as willed by Don Bosco in India.

Three Salesians and four Salesian Sisters presented their historical and documented Papers on the above topic: Mother Catherine Mania FMA- A Charismatic Missionary presented by Sr. Molly, Kaniampady portrayed Mother Catherine as an epitome of Salesian missionary life who devoted her long life for the poor. Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel presented Sr. Terezija Medvešek FMA, “An Embodiment of Love and Service” as the only FMA missionary who came to India from Slovenia and had embodied in a significant manner the “Salesian spirit”, and lived her Salesian vocation understood as mission. Fr. Thomas Anchukandam highlighted the significance of Fr. Joseph Carreño SDB for Salesian India as he was a true sign and bearer of God’s love to all and all loved him in return. Fr. Joseph Pandicherry gave an account of Fr. John Lens SDB and his personality. Sr. Teresa Phawa presented Sr. Josephine Goad FMA as an ardent and enterprising missionary in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Sr. Sangeetha Sahayarani presented Sr. Nancy Pereira FMA throwing light on her incisive and innovative works. Finally Fr. Mathew Kapplikunnel the Secretary of the ACSSA South Asia presented Fr. Philip Thayil SDB as a visionary and innovator. Every presentation was followed by clarifications, suggestions etc.

The seminar was concluded with the evaluation of the programme and the vote of thanks by Sr. Philomena D’Souza the president of ACSSA South Asia and Fr. Mathew Kapplikunnel the secretary.