The Salesian Family Congress was held at Don Bosco (Liluah, Kolkata, India), during the period September 26—28, 2015, to celebrate the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco.

The Salesian Family groups (SDB, FMA SCC, DBA, MSMHC, SMI, SMA, VDB, ADMA, VSDB, and Disciples of the South Asian Region came together with the theme “One Family and One Mission”. We reflected on a vision for Salesian Family South Asia and drew up a mission statement that could bring greater awareness of the common identity, sense of belonging and to give fresh vitality to the common mission entrusted to us by Don Bosco.

We, the members of the Salesian Family, The disciples of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, Rooted in the Eucharist, the Word of God and guided by Mary Help of Christians, Imbued with the spirit, mind and heart of Don Bosco,Enriched by our diverse, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, Respecting the individual identity of each group and in communion with one another, Resolutely move forward as mystics in the Spirit, prophets of fraternity and servants of the young, To be at the service of the Church, especially the young who are poor and at risk, and families Through mutual collaboration, shared responsibility and accountability.

We commit ourselves,
– To grow in holiness by living out Don Bosco’s motto: “Give me souls, take away the rest” according to the charism of each family.
– To foster networking at national, provincial and local levels among the Salesian Family Groups.
– To enable the young and families to live their lives in all its fullness.

We strive
– To improve our communion among ourselves by studying and reflecting seriously on the Salesian Family Charter and Salesian Family Directory, and accompanying each member of the Family in moments of joys and sorrows.
– To be effective in the ecclesiastical and secular spheres as youth experts,
a) by setting up youth spirituality and retreat centers in collaboration with other members of the Salesian Family at provincial level
b) by combating social evils such as human trafficking, crimes against minors and women and any other forms of exploitation through networking and advocacy.
c) by strengthening the ministry among the migrant youth.

– To enhance our family apostolate
a) by reaching out to the homes of the students of our institutions and of our neighborhood in a meaningful manner and
b) by setting up family counselling centers at provincial level.

In order to carry forward the collaborative process effectively, all the Provincials and heads of the members of the Salesian Family meet at least once a year at the national and provincial level. Thus we aim to achieve the goals of our charism as a strong united youth work agency of God’s kingdom in our region. END