Salesian Rector Major Visits Polur Parish, Affirms Mission in Vellore Diocese

Polur, February 17, 2026: The Sacred Heart Church, Polur in the Vellore Diocese witnessed a significant pastoral moment on February 15 as Fr Fabio Attard, the eleventh Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, presided over the Eucharistic celebration, drawing clergy, religious and lay faithful from across the region.

The visit held particular significance for the Catholic community in and around Polur, with parishioners from Veeralur, Tiruvannamalai and the Jawadhu Hills joining the liturgy. The gathering reflected the longstanding pastoral engagement of the Salesian congregation in education, evangelisation and social outreach across these mission centres.

A video presentation preceding the Mass traced the history and development of parishes and Salesian institutions serving Polur and neighbouring areas, highlighting the continuity of ministry and the evolving pastoral needs of both rural and semi-urban communities.

Following the celebration, Fr Attard met with families and parish representatives, engaging in informal interaction that underscored the Rector Major’s role in strengthening communion between the global Salesian leadership and local faith communities.

In a symbolic gesture marking the occasion, Fr I John Robert, Parish Priest of Chetpet, presented a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes to the Rector Major as a commemorative token of his visit.

The event was attended by the Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Chennai Province, Fr Francis Sagaya Pinto, parish priests from neighbouring centres, religious sisters and a large number of faithful, giving the celebration a distinctly communal character.

Fr Attard’s visit reaffirmed the Salesian commitment to accompany local communities in faith and service, strengthening the bond between the congregation’s leadership and the pastoral life of the Church in the Vellore Diocese.

By Fr. Daniel Sharma