Salesian Family Consulta in Kolkata Strengthens Focus on Communion and Mission

KOLKATA, September 21, 2026: Forty-five representatives of the Salesian Family from across South Asia met in Kolkata from September 10 to 13 for the second South Asia Regional Consulta, focusing on formation, accompaniment, collaboration and communion in the Salesian mission.

The four-day meeting, held at the Provincial House, brought together Regional and Provincial Delegates of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), along with representatives of lay associations and other groups within the Salesian Family.

Animated by Fr Joan Playa, Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family, and his team, the consultation examined the identity and mission of Delegates and explored ways of strengthening collaboration across the Salesian Family.

Formation and reflection sessions, Lectio Divina, digital presentations and group discussions focused particularly on animation and accompaniment. Participants were encouraged to move beyond an administrative approach towards one centred on relationships, attentive listening, personal presence and shared responsibility.

The relevance of Don Bosco’s Preventive System in a rapidly changing social and technological environment was explored by Fr Filiberto Rodríguez and Fr John Alexander. Their sessions addressed the challenges facing young people in the digital age, highlighting the importance of friendship, authentic human relationships and personal accompaniment.

Don Luis Eugenio Vargas, World Spiritual Animator of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), reflected on Salesian holiness and vocation animation. He emphasised holiness as a daily vocation and vocation promotion as a responsibility shared by the entire Salesian Family.

Sr Sahaya Sangitha Rani assisted with translation and coordination, helping facilitate communication among participants from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Sr Iona Barretto and Sr Hilda Braganza represented their province at the meeting.

The exchange of good practices highlighted the diversity of the Salesian charism across South Asia and provided opportunities for participants to learn from different pastoral experiences and strengthen cooperation.

Prayer and the Eucharist formed an integral part of the gathering, while shared meals, informal conversations and recreation contributed to building relationships among participants. These elements also reflected the meeting’s emphasis on a synodal approach based on listening, shared responsibility and journeying together.

The consultation concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening accompaniment, collaboration, vocation animation and a culture of holiness and synodality. Participants are expected to carry the insights from the meeting into their respective provinces and communities, translating them into concrete initiatives in service of young people and the Church.

By Sr. Hilda Braganza

Province Delegate of the Salesian Family (INB)