Background of the Salesian Province of Tiruchy
The Salesian Province of Tiruchy, established in 1999 after being bifurcated from the Chennai Salesian Province, is celebrating its Silver Jubilee this year. Over the past 25 years, the province has grown significantly, fostering a strong commitment to its mission and community. The Jubilee year is being marked with a range of meaningful initiatives aimed at commemorating this milestone while promoting sustainability and gratitude.
Silver Jubilee Initiatives
As part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations, the Province has launched several impactful initiatives. These include planting 100,000 tree saplings to enhance environmental conservation and ensuring that 75% of its 31 presences transition to solar energy, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable development. Among these projects, the province also arranged a unique air pilgrimage to Goa for its domestic staff, blending appreciation for their service with spiritual enrichment.
The Sponsored Air Pilgrimage
The air pilgrimage, a central highlight of the celebrations, was organized for the nearly 95 domestic staff employed across the Province’s 31 presences, with 61 of them participating in the trip. To make this dream a reality, the Province covered 75% of the expenses, while the remaining costs were shared between the local communities and the staff themselves. Under the meticulous supervision of Fr. Amaladoss, the Economer of the Province, the trip was planned in collaboration with a tourist agency to ensure a seamless and memorable experience. The journey began with a train ride to Chennai on Friday, 22nd November, followed by a flight to Goa.
Goa Pilgrimage Itinerary
During their two-day visit to Goa, the staff explored some of the region’s most iconic landmarks. They visited the Bom Jesus Basilica, where they had the rare opportunity to witness the decennial exposition of St. Francis Xavier’s incorruptible body. Their itinerary also included visits to the serene beaches of North and South Goa, as well as an enchanting cultural experience of Goan dances on a cruise. After two days of exploration and spiritual fulfillment, they returned to the Province on Monday, 25th November.
Significance of Goa and St. Francis Xavier
The choice of Goa as a pilgrimage destination holds deep historical and spiritual significance for the Salesian Province of Tiruchy. Annai Velankanni, the Province’s patroness, first appeared to Portuguese sailors in Goa in the 17th century, leading to the foundation of the Velankanni Church. Additionally, St. Francis Xavier’s missionary work laid the foundation for Christianity in the coastal regions of the Province. Every year, numerous pilgrims from Goa travel to Velankanni in remembrance of this shared spiritual heritage. For the domestic staff, the opportunity to embark on a flight and witness the relic of St. Francis Xavier was not only a first-of-its-kind experience but also a deeply meaningful spiritual journey that will be cherished for a lifetime.
