New Delhi: The head of the Salesians of Don Bosco on November 5 met with the family of Father Uzhunnalil, an Indian priest who was released in September after 18 months in Islamic militants’ captivity.
Father Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the second largest Catholic religious order for men who arrived in Kochi, Kerala, a day earlier met with the family as his first engagement of his week-long programs in India.
Father Artime is accompanied by Father Maria Arokiam Kanaga, South Asia Region councilor, Father Artime’s secretary Father Horacio López.
After meeting with Uzhunnalil’s family he moved to Bengaluru, capital of neighboring state of Karnataka, where he will attend on November 6 the golden jubilee of Kristu Jyoti” (light of Christ), a Salesian institute. A meeting with the provincials of South Asia is scheduled for November 7.
Father Artime and team will proceed to Guwahati, Assam, to attend the 25th anniversary programs of the Salesians’ Hatigaon House on November 9, reports donboscoindia.com. Another program in northeastern India is a visit to the Snehalaya (abode of love) Social Services and Rehabilitation Center in Guwahati.
He will then travel to Mumbai, western India, on November 12, the final day of his India visit. He will attend the 60th anniversary of the Shine of the ”Madonna of Don Bosco” and the silver jubilee of Don Bosco High School, both in Matunga, a Mumbai suburb.