The Salesian Province of Annai Vailankanni, Tiruchy (INT), celebrated its 28th Province Foundation Day on 5th August 2026 at Don Bosco Alaihal Media, Manikandam, Tiruchy. The occasion brought together around 120 Salesians to celebrate the Province’s journey of faith and mission while honouring seven Silver Jubilarians of Priestly Ordination, three Silver Jubilarians of First Profession, and one newly ordained priest.
The celebration began with the solemn Eucharist, during which the jubilarians were welcomed with rose garlands. Fr. Amalorpavaraj, one of the Silver Jubilarians of Priestly Ordination, presided over the Eucharistic celebration. In his introductory remarks, the Provincial, Fr. Doss Kennedy, thanked the jubilarians for their twenty-five years of generous and faithful service to the Church and the Salesian Congregation. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the former Provincials whose leadership laid the foundation for the Province’s growth in its various mission and apostolate, featuring some unique ministry.
In his homily, Fr. Francis Xavier, another Silver Jubilarian of Priestly Ordination, reflected on the remarkable journey of the Province from its beginnings to the present. He highlighted its vision and commitment to bringing the marginalized “from the peripheries to the centre” through education, evangelization, youth ministry, and social development.
The liturgy, prepared by Fr. Diraviya Rupen, included special prayers for the parents and family members of the jubilarians. The choir, animated by the young Salesians under the direction of Br. Akash with musical accompaniment by Br. Josef McGrath, enhanced the prayerful atmosphere of the celebration.
The Eucharist was followed by a felicitation programme coordinated by the Vice Provincial, Fr. Victor Antonyraj, together with Fr. Selvaraj and Fr. Vimal. The jubilarians were honoured with shawls and commemorative gifts presented by fellow confreres. A special highlight of the programme was an AI-generated video presentation prepared by Fr. Clan and Fr.John Dharman of Don Bosco Alaihal Media, showcasing the pastoral journey and contributions of each jubilarian to the Province.
Messages of appreciation were shared by Fr. Arokiya Antony, Fr. Daniel Sebastian, Fr. Vimalan Santiagu, and Fr. Vimal Joseph, who recalled the personal qualities and dedicated ministry of the jubilarians. Cultural performances by the young Salesians, including music, dance, and a creative skit, added joy and fraternity to the celebration.
Another significant moment was the launch of a Youth Ministry assessment tool by Fr. Albert Johnson, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry. The resource will assist each community and the Province in evaluating and strengthening its educational and pastoral ministries through the various dimensions of Salesian Youth Ministry.
Speaking on behalf of all the jubilarians, Fr. Bernard Moses expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Provincial, the Provincial Council, the confreres, and the organizing community headed by Fr. Barnabas for their thoughtful planning, preparation and execution and for making this day very memorable in the annuals of the province and in their lives.
The celebration concluded with a fellowship meal, renewing among the confreres a spirit of gratitude, fraternity, and renewed commitment to the Salesian mission, as the Province joyfully commemorated its rich heritage last twenty-seven years, while looking forward with hope and rejuvenating communion in the future.
