TIRUCHY (INDIA) — The Salesian Province of Tiruchy (INT) joyfully celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession of Rev. Fr. Amalraj Susai, SDB, and Rev. Fr. Vincent Sebastian, SDB, on 23 September 2026. The grand celebration, marked by prayer, gratitude, fraternity and youth-filled festivities, brought together around 300 Salesian confreres, young religious, family members and well-wishers at Don Bosco Alaihal Media, Manikandam, Tiruchy, to honour fifty years of consecrated life and dedicated service to the Church, Salesian Congregation and the young in Tiruchy Province.
The day’s festive celebrations began with a warm reception for the two jubilarians on arriving this milestone. They were garlanded and crowned by Fr. Doss Kennedy, Provincial as expressions of the affection and appreciation of the Salesian family. Children led a colourful procession accompanied by traditional music, while flower petals were showered along the pathway to the altar, creating an atmosphere of joy and thanksgiving.
The Holy Eucharist was the spiritual heart of the celebration. Fr. Vincent presided as the main celebrant, while Fr. Amalraj delivered the homily, reflecting on the grace of fifty years of consecrated life, communion and faithful service in the spirit of Don Bosco. The solemn liturgy was enriched by a creative offertory organized by Fr. Diraviya Rupen, Director of the Catechetical Department, and by the soul stirring singing by the angelic choir led by Fr.Rubin Alex.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation programme was conducted by Fr. Victor Antonyraj, Vice Provincial. Fr. Britto Gerard welcomed the august gathering. Video tributes prepared by the Alaihal Media Department highlighted the lives, ministries and decades of pastoral and educational service of the two jubilarians. Then, Provincial Fr. Doss Kennedy honoured the jubilarians by presenting them with the traditional ponnadai and alongside Fr. John Madasseril and Fr. Sebastian Jacob expressed the words of felicitation on behalf of the province. They also acknowledged the great contributions of Fr.Amalraj as the second provincial of the Tiruchy province. Family members also shared their sentiments and appreciation. Mr. Arul, brother of Fr. Amalraj, and Mrs. Sivya, niece of Fr. Vincent, conveyed personal messages of appreciation and gratitude on behalf of their families.
The event was further enlivened by a series of cultural presentations. Students of DB Alaihal Media and ITI Amsam presented colourful dances, while Young Salesians from Yercaud staged a creative theatrical skit. The programmes reflected the joy, affection and gratitude of the younger generation towards the two senior Salesians.
The felicitation programme concluded with a thanksgiving by the jubilarians expressing their sentiments of gratitude to the Salesian Congregation and to the Province, especially for honouring and felicitating them on this day. This was followed by the official Vote of Thanks by the Vice Provincial. The gathering ended on a particularly meaningful note with the Hymn to Don Bosco sung by the Young Salesians.
The Golden Jubilee of Fr. Amalraj and Fr. Vincent stands as a testimony to fifty years of consecration, perseverance, fraternity and generous service. Their journey continues to inspire the Salesian family to remain faithful to the charism of Don Bosco and to place their lives at the service of God and young people.
Congratulations and prayers to our Golden Jubilarians, Fr. Amalraj Susai, SDB, and Fr. Vincent Sebastian, SDB!
