Fr. C. M. Paul
Darjeeling, October 10, 2024: Salesian College Sonada alumni bishops started and ended the day’s deliberations lighting up hope for Don Bosco ,mission for next 100 years.
They were participating at the 3-day National seminar on Salesian Mission from October 9 to 12 marking 100 years of Kolkata province established as first Salesian province of India in 1926.
Salesian College Sonada which started as a residential college exclusively for Salesian Brother students established in 1938 was opened up as college for public in 2000, with a second campus in Siliguri in 2009.
The day started with alumnus Bishop George Palliparampil of Miao belonging to 1974 batch presiding over the Holy Eucharist and later presenting a paper on Salesian commission of reaching out to young people.
One of 12 alumni prelates of Salesian College Sonada, Palliparampil did not hesitate to challenge younger generation Salesians and students to take forward Salesian legacy and Don Bosco’s mission for today’s Alpha Generation.
The day proceeded with topics like mission in the era of digital media by Dr Gilbert Choondal; and brief history of Salesian province of Kolkata with its missions in India, Bangladesh and Nepal presented by Fr. T.V. George.
In the afternoon breakout session senior alumni and Salesian family members shared their experiences and success stories in five groups.
Salesian Family member Sr Genevieve Hazel in her presentation encouraged participants “Living by faith as a new paradigm for mission in the next century.
The day ended with alumnus Archbishop emeritus Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati of 1955 batch and former dean of studies at Salesian College Sonada who spoke on how “Difficulties Bring Redemption.”
The Nobel Peace nominee of 2011, Menamparampil encouraged participants to look forward with optimism and courage and see difficulties as opportunities to find solutions and forge ahead.