The Salesian Province of Tiruchy (INT) held Salesian Family Live-in 2026 at Don Bosco Alaihal Media, Manikandam, Tiruchy, on 2–3 October 2026. Under the theme “One Family – One Spirit – One Mission,” the gathering brought together 70 representatives from nine groups of the Salesian Family: SDB, FMA, SMA, Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils, VDB, ADMA, and Disciples of Jesus.
The programme sought to strengthen communion, deepen Salesian identity and spirituality, and renew the participants’ commitment to the Salesian mission through prayer, formation, sharing, and joyful fraternity. It was coordinated by Fr John Barnabas SDB, Rector and Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Cooperators, together with Sr Rosy Antony FMA, Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Family.
Honouring Two Salesian Cooperators
When the Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard SDB, visited New Delhi for the Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia (SPCSA), organised by the Regional Councillor for South Asia, Fr Biju Michael SDB, from 7 to 9 September 2026, he honoured 24 lay leaders in the Salesian mission—two from each province.
Fr Doss Kennedy SDB, Provincial of Tiruchy, received the awards on behalf of:
- Mr Manohar, Lourdes Shrine, Madurai
- Mr Xavier Amaladoss, Don Bosco Anbu Illam, Salem
Both were recognised for their outstanding service to underprivileged children and young people through education and social work. Each has served for more than 35 years and has remained deeply rooted in Salesian spirituality as a Salesian Cooperator.
The Province was happy to felicitate them during the Salesian Family Live-in at Manikandam. Fr Doss Kennedy and Sr Kulandai Theresa FMA, Delegate for the Salesian Cooperators, honoured the two lay leaders with a ponnadai, a certificate of appreciation, and a commemorative book containing their history, service, and photographs.
Joyful Beginning of the Live-in
The Live-in began on the evening of 2 October with a warm welcome and an innovative ice-breaking session facilitated by the VDB and Disciples of Jesus under the guidance of Fr Gerard Britto SDB. The session helped participants build friendship and fraternity.
Later, the participants gathered in the garden before the statues depicting Don Bosco’s Dream for a meaningful Rosary service organised by the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), guided by Fr John Bosco SDB. Each participant prayed a Hail Mary and offered a flower at the feet of the statue of Mary. At the conclusion of the Rosary, the flowers were gathered into a garland and placed on Mary’s statue.
The evening continued in Mamma Hall with party games and a quiz organised by the Past Pupils Association, guided by Fr Albert SDB, Fr Mathew SDB, and Bro Vimal SDB. Laughter, enthusiasm, and fellowship marked the session as participants interacted freely and strengthened their bonds.
The first day concluded with the Provincial’s good-night talk. He reminded participants of the essential features of Salesian spirituality and encouraged them to become a home, playground, chapel, and school for young people—places where the young can experience acceptance, joy, faith, and education. He underlined that educating and empowering young people remains the heart of the Salesian mission.
Reflection and Formation
The second day began with a reflective meditation animated by Fr Diraviya Rupen SDB, inviting participants to become Good Samaritans for young people who are wounded, vulnerable, and in need of accompaniment and support.
After breakfast, Sr Rosy Antony FMA, Sr Kulandai Theresa FMA, and Sr Malar Jothi FMA led a lively formative session. Through team-building activities and interactive input, they helped participants understand the 32 groups of the Salesian Family and appreciate the richness of the Salesian charism as lived through its many branches.
Celebrating Oneness and Unity
The unity of the Salesian Family was celebrated during the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Provincial Fr Doss Kennedy SDB and concelebrated by 10 Salesians. The FMA and SMA Sisters enriched the thanksgiving celebration through their animation. In his homily, the Provincial encouraged every member of the Salesian Family to strive for holiness through faithfulness and service. He also emphasised the importance of accompanying today’s young people as they seek meaning and purpose in life.
Pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine
As a fitting conclusion, the participants made a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine at Poondi. They were blessed to encounter the touring relic of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the Doctor of the Church, and to pay homage to her. The pilgrimage offered an opportunity for prayer, thanksgiving, and entrustment of the Salesian Family and its mission to the maternal protection of Mary.
A Renewed Salesian Family
Returning home, the participants were renewed, strengthened, and enriched by a deeper sense of belonging to the Salesian Family. The experience enabled them to walk together, pray together, share together, learn together, and rediscover their common Salesian identity.
Special appreciation is due to the SDB and FMA Provinces of Tiruchy for this joint initiative, and to the Salesian Family Delegates—Fr Arul Maran SDB and Sr Rosy Antony FMA—along with Fr Victor Antonyraj SDB, Vice Provincial; Fr John Barnabas SDB, Rector; and the Alaihal Media community, Manikandam, for making the Live-in a memorable and enriching experience.
