India – Rector Major’s Visit to Mumbai Province, and of Guwahati and Shillong, for centenary of Salesian presence in country’s Northeast

21 October 2022

(ANS - Mumbai) - With his arrival in Mumbai early this morning, Friday, October 21, 2021, Rector Major, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, began a 10-day trip to India. A journey that, after its first stage at India's most populous city, reached its climax with stops in the Provinces of Guwahati (ING) and Shillong (INS), where the Tenth Successor of Don Bosco shall celebrate the centenary of the arrival of the first Sons of Don Bosco in Northeast India together with Salesians, Salesian Family, and young people.

The main events scheduled for today are a meeting with the India-Mumbai Board of Provincials (INB), a meeting with the Rectors, and a Mass of thanksgiving for the gift of holiness of Artemide Zatti.

Tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 22, still in Mumbai, the Rector Major animates a gathering of young people; in the afternoon, he will proceed with the blessing of the new academic facilities of the Nerul work.

On Oct. 23, the Rector Major travels to Lonavla to participate in the 60th-anniversary celebrations of the aspirantate. Fr. Á.F. Artime will preside over a thanksgiving Eucharist and dialogue with the center’s Salesians, aspirants, and past pupils.

Monday, October 24, will be the day of the trip from Mumbai to Northeast India, where the celebrations for the centenary of the arrival of the first Sons of Don Bosco in that region will take place. Right after landing in Guwahati and the traditional welcoming ceremonies, the Rector Major will inaugurate the Centenary Monument at the Provincial House, followed by a moment of dialogue with the Superiors of the three Provinces of Northeast India - Guwahati, Shillong and Dimapur - and their Councils.

Tuesday 25 will be full of events, starting in the morning with a meeting for Fr. Á.F. Artime with the Bishops and Provincials of Northeast India, some members of the diocesan clergy, and long-time missionaries in that region. A solemn Eucharistic Concelebration at the city cathedral is scheduled for mid-morning, an interactive session with students and youth in the afternoon and a stopover at the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians work in the evening.

On Wednesday 26th, the 10th Successor of Don Bosco will visit the General House of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians - XII group of the Salesian Family, founded by Bishop Stefano Ferrando, SDB - and then meet the Salesians of the three Provinces of Northeast India. The occasion will include cultural and artistic performances and the presentation of several books.

Before moving to Shillong, on Thursday, Oct. 27, the Rector Major will visit the General House of the Catechist Sisters of Mary Immaculate Help of Christians - 18th group of the Salesian Family, founded by Bishop Louis La Ravoire Morrow, SDB. Once he arrives at his destination, the first appointment will again be with members of the Provincial Council.

On Friday, Oct. 28, after a Mass with the novices at the Sunnyside house, Fr. Á.F. Artime will meet with the Visitation Sisters of Don Bosco (VSDB) - XXX group of the Salesian Family, founded by Msgr. Hubert D'Rosario, SDB - a moment that will find ideal completion in the evening with the larger gathering for all members of the local Salesian Family.

On Saturday, October 29, ample space will be given to young people: first with a youth Mass and then with a time of dialogue and interaction. Following on the same day will be a meeting with the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and a cultural and festive evening.

On the last day of the visit, Fr. Á.F. Artime shall go to greet the Archbishop of Shillong and then celebrate the Eucharist in the cathedral. A departure flight from Guwahati is scheduled in the early afternoon.

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