Salesian Sisters of Kolkata and their Students Greet The Rector Major By KNOTS CorrespondentKolkata, Nov. 7. Fr. Pascual Chavez visited the Salesian Sisters at their Provincial House in Dum Dum on 7th November along with Fr. Maria Arokiam, Regional Councillor for South Asia, Fr. Juan J. Bartolome, Secretary to the Rector Major and Fr. Thomas Ellicherail, Provincial Kolkata, and other Salesians. The Sisters and the students of Auxilium School gave a warm welcome reception to the 9th Successor of Don Bosco at his arrival.
After the initial greetings, Fr Chavez celebrated the Holy Eucharist at 7.15 AM along with six other concelebrants including Fr. Tapan Khan, a diocesan priest from St. Patrick's Church, Dum Dum. The Eucharist was attended by a large number of Salesian Sisters and novices from eight FMA Communities in South Bengal. The teachers of the school, the Catholic students and their parents, SMI Sisters and other Religious sisters from the vicinity were also present. In his homily Fr. Chavez encouraged particularly the young with motivational thoughts culled out from the life of veterans in the Salesian Family.
At breakfast time the Rector Major interacted with the Sisters. Sr. Lily Perumpettikunnel, Vice Provincial, on behalf of the Provincial Superior who could not be present, thanked Fr. Chavez for the Visit to Auxilium, for his profound insights and encouragement.
Later, Fr. Chavez was greeted by Auxilium School students who led him to the podium waving decorative flags. Ms. Rose Mary Gomes introduced the gathering giving a short life sketch of Fr. Chavez. Sr. Esther Abraham, Principal, greeted the dignitaries in the name of the staff and the students, and the children sang melodious songs to welcome and honour the eminent guest. Finally Fr. Chavez gave them a message of encouragement to grow gracefully so as to face the challenges of life. The Rector Major was very appreciative of the cultural presentations and the academic performance of the school.
Ms. R. Malavika proposed the vote of thanks and bade Fr. Chavez farewell saying ''Please remember us in your prayers that we may translate Don Bosco's vision into reality by becoming good citizens of the world community.''
As the early morning mist patches finally cleared, it was time for the Rector Major and his entourage to proceed to Dum Dum Airport for the next leg of their journey to visit to the Salesian presences in the Sub-Himalayan terrain in North Bengal.