C. M. Paul
Siliguri, March 19, 2025: Salesian Fr. Dr. Peter Lourdes, the first Indian-born Principal of Salesian College, Sonada, celebrated his 100th birthday at Salesian Provincial House, Kolkata, on March 19.
Born on March 19, 1926, Fr. Lourdes served as the 9th Principal of Salesian College Sonada from 1967 to 1970. Notably, he was the first Indian national to head the institution established in 1938, which had Salesian residential students from Commonwealth Countries until the late 1960s.
A COVID-19 survivor, Fr. Lourdes has dedicated 82 years to being a Salesian religious and 72 years as a priest.
His academic journey began as a student of the first batch of Don Bosco School, Liluah, Kolkata, in 1937. He later joined Salesian College Sonada in 1941 as a class IX student.
Fr. Lourdes humbly shares his academic struggles, having scored 0% in Mathematics while securing a first division in Latin during his Calcutta University Matriculation examinations. However, through self-study, he reappeared for the exams and passed with a first division.
Fr. Lourdes advises students to “attend classes and keep your notes handy.”
His academic achievements include a Bachelor’s degree from Salesian College Sonada, a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Salesian University Rome, and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from DePaul University Chicago, USA.
As a renowned Clinical Psychology Counsellor, Fr. Lourdes has conducted extensive workshops and psycho-spiritual retreats. He has authored four books, including “The Human Face of Clergy” (1989), “The Hem of His Garment” (1996), “Wow Jesus” (2014), and “The Clash” (2016).
Fr. Lourdes’ remarkable life and achievements serve as an inspiration to many, and his legacy continues to impact the lives of those he has touched through counseling and writings.