[{"ID":5171,"post_title":"chennai","lead_para":"ghghhfghgfhfg","post_content":"hjhgjhj","post_date":"2024-09-06 11:00:57","thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.donboscochennai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/IMG-20240813-WA0025.jpg","house_name":"","commission_name":"Education To Faith","classification_name":"Education, Education School, Education Technical"},{"ID":5149,"post_title":"Young Priests Rediscover the Grace of Spiritual Direction","lead_para":"","post_content":"By Fr Jayasimmon SDB\r\n\r\nIn a time when spiritual guidance is more crucial than ever, the Salesian Province of Chennai brought together 34 young priests for their Quinquennium Meeting at The Retreat, Yercaud, from August 11-13, 2024. The gathering, themed \u201cWise and Wounded Healers: Living the Grace of Spiritual Direction and the Sacrament of Reconciliation,\u201d focused on strength of spiritual mentorship and the sacraments in the lives of those who minister to others.\r\n\r\nThe event commenced with a special celebration of Fr. Savarimuthu's silver jubilee of first profession. A missionary in the Sicilian Islands, Fr. Savarimuthu shared his experiences of ministering to migrants during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting on how these experiences deepened his understanding of spiritual direction and pastoral care. His testimony highlighted the importance of resilience and unwavering faith in the face of adversity, setting a tone of introspection and spiritual renewal for the gathering.\r\n\r\nMs. Christina, a counsellor from Loyola College, Chennai, led the first session, focusing on the fundamentals of counselling\u2014an essential skill for priests engaged with youth pastoral ministry. She emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries, a key aspect of effective spiritual direction. The session highlighted that as spiritual directors, priests must be equipped to guide their faithful while also tending to their own emotional and spiritual well-being.\r\n\r\nFr. John Alexander, the Vice Provincial, deepened this discussion with his session on \u201cPrayerful Listening and Spiritual Direction: Some Basic Dispositions.\u201d He urged the priests to reflect on their spiritual mentors, drawing parallels with figures like Cafasso, Calasso, and Mama Margaret. His session served as a powerful reminder that just as they guide others, priests too must seek and cherish their own spiritual directors who can provide the wisdom and guidance necessary for their journey.\r\n\r\nRecognizing the intertwined nature of psychology and spirituality, Fr. S. Antonysamy, OFM Cap., offered a session on \u201cUnderstanding Psychotherapy Techniques.\u201d By exploring the structure of the mind and belief systems, and introducing concepts from Freud and Albert Ellis, he provided the priests with tools to better understand the inner workings of those they guide. This integration of psychological insights into spiritual direction equips priests to address not just the spiritual, but also the emotional and psychological needs of their congregants.\r\n\r\nA key highlight of the meeting was the panel discussion on spiritual direction, moderated by Fr. John Alexander sdb and facilitated by Fr. Praveen Peter sdb and Fr. Pathiaraj Rayappan sdb. The discussion emphasized the importance of having a stable and consistent spiritual director, the delicate distinction between spiritual direction and confession, and the essential qualities of an effective spiritual guide. This dialogue provided a platform for young priests to share their experiences, challenges, and the impact that spiritual direction has on their ministry.\r\n\r\nThe gathering also provided moments for deep spiritual renewal. Fr. Gandhi Kallarasan led a Holy Eucharistic Adoration, a time for the priests to reconnect with the Lord through prayer, praise, and worship. The evening culminated in fellowship with a dinner and a lively campfire, where the different batches of priests shared spontaneous performances, fostering a sense of community and brotherhood.\r\n\r\nOn the second day, the priests embarked on a pilgrimage to the Carmel Convent, where they celebrated the Holy Eucharist with the cloistered nuns. This pilgrimage was not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, deepening their understanding of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fr. Stanislaus Swamikannu provided insights into the sacrament, offering clarity and guidance that enriched the priests\u2019 approach to this vital aspect of their ministry.\r\n\r\n\"\" \"\" \"\" \"\"","post_date":"2024-08-13 23:46:25","thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.donboscochennai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Group-Photo.jpg","house_name":"","commission_name":"","classification_name":""},{"ID":5076,"post_title":"FR. STEFANO MARTOGLIO VISITS THE CHENNAI PROVINCE","lead_para":"","post_content":"The Vicar General Unveils the Statue of Don Bosco at The Citadel<\/strong>\r\n\r\n-Fr. A.J. Frank sdb\r\n\r\n\"\"On August 1, 2024, Fr. Stefano Martoglio, the Vicar General of the Salesian Congregation, made a brief but memorable visit to the Chennai Province, en route to Tiruchy for the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Tiruchy Province. Upon his arrival at the airport, he was warmly welcomed by Fr. L. Don Bosco sdb, Provincial, Fr. John Alexander sdb, Vice Provincial and few other Salesians marking the beginning of a day filled with significant moments and heartfelt interactions.\r\n\r\nDuring the festive lunch which was attended by Archbishop Emeritus A.M. Chinnappa, Bishop Emeritus\u00a0 Jeromedoss Varuvel, Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga, former Regional of South Asia, Fr. Stanislaus Swamikannu, Fr. Jayapan Raphael, Fr. K.M. Jose former provincials of Chennai Province along with the present Provincial and his council members provided a unique opportunity for sharing reflections and fostering a sense of brotherliness among the Salesians. \u00a0This gathering was an important moment for the province, as it allowed for meaningful dialogue and the celebration of shared experiences.\r\n\r\n\"\"In the evening, Fr. Stefano Martoglio met with the Provincial and the Council members. Following this meeting, he celebrated a holy mass in English for the Salesians of the Citadel and Rinaldi communities. Nearly 50 Salesians were present for the Holy Mass. \u00a0The mass was a joyous occasion, bringing together the Salesians in a spirit of unity and gratitude.\r\n\r\nThe highlight of the visit was the unveiling of a beautiful life-size statue of Don Bosco with the children at the Don Bosco Provincial House, The Citadel, Chennai. The ceremony was enhanced by the enthusiastic participation of more than hundred SIGA students, whose presence added a vibrant and youthful energy to the event.\r\n\r\nFr. Stefano Martoglio's visit was a memorable and joyous occasion, characterized by warmth, community spirit, and the active engagement of young people. It was a day that strengthened the bonds within the province and celebrated the enduring legacy of Don Bosco.\r\n\r\n\"\" \"\" \"\"","post_date":"2024-08-02 19:46:01","thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.donboscochennai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/DB_00087-1.jpg","house_name":"","commission_name":"","classification_name":""},{"ID":5013,"post_title":"INM Province Feast & Jubilee Celebrations","lead_para":"","post_content":"Chennai, India \u2013 July 2024<\/strong> \u2013 The Salesian Province of Chennai INM marked a significant occasion with a grand celebration on the feast day of St. Thomas, the patron saint of the province. The celebration included the Province Feast and the Jubilee Celebration of 9 Salesians. This solemn event took place with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Most Rev. AM Chinnappa sdb, Archbishop Emeritus of Madras-Mylapore. The ceremony saw the active participation of jubilarians, confreres, lay people, and members of the Salesian family, making it a memorable and heartwarming event.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe jubilarians honored during this celebration were recognized for their decades of dedicated service and commitment to the Lord. The celebration was graced by the presence of three bishops, Rev. Bp. AM Chinnappa, Rev. Bp. Neethinathan, and Rev. Bp. Jeromedhas, whose attendance added a special significance to the occasion. The gathering of the province around the jubilarians was a heartfelt expression of gratitude and joy.\r\n\r\n\"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\"\r\n\r\nThe Province Jubilee Celebration provided an opportunity for the province to unite in appreciation of the jubilarians' selfless service and to make them feel truly special on this joyous occasion.","post_date":"2024-07-04 13:50:48","thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.donboscochennai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/WhatsApp-Image-2024-07-04-at-1.49.07-PM.jpeg","house_name":"","commission_name":"","classification_name":""},{"ID":4975,"post_title":"Salesian Province of Chennai receives Newly Professed Salesians on the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians","lead_para":"","post_content":"- Bro. John Kennedy sdb<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\"\"Chennai, 24th May 2024 \u2014<\/strong> The Salesian Province of Chennai marked the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians with a series of profound and joyous events at Yellagiri Hills, Sacred Heart College, and Don Bosco Tirupattur. The day was filled with significant ceremonies reflecting the deep commitment and growth in the Province.\r\n\r\nIn the serene surroundings of Yellagiri Hills, 14 novices took a monumental step in their spiritual journey by making their first profession. The vows were solemnly received by Rev. Fr. Gianni Rolandi SDB, the Extraordinary visitor to the Chennai province. The ceremony was attended by numerous Salesians, along with the family members of the novices.\r\n\r\nSubsequently, Sacred Heart College hosted the renewal of vows for 32 scholastics. This ceremony was a moment for these young Salesians to reaffirm their dedication to the Salesian charism and their ongoing vocational journey.\r\n\r\nThe day's celebrations reached it fulfilment with the final profession of 9 scholastics, who made their ultimate commitment to the Lord and the Salesian congregation. Rev. Fr. Lourdusamy Don Bosco, Provincial of Chennai Province, received their vows. The presence of Fr. Davis Maniparamben, Provincial of Delhi Province, Fr. John Alexander, Vice-Provincial of Chennai province Salesians priests, religious, family members and well-wishers added to the solemnity and joy of the celebrations.\r\n\r\nThe Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians was a day of notable spiritual milestones for the Salesian Province of Chennai. The first professions, renewals, and final commitments underscore the enduring strength and unity within the Salesian community. The presence of esteemed Salesian leaders, including Rev. Fr. Gianni Rolandi SDB, Fr. Davis Maniparamben, and Rev. Fr. Lourdusamy Don Bosco, added to the solemnity and significance of the occasion.\r\n\r\n\"\" \"\" \"\" \"\"","post_date":"2024-05-26 10:35:42","thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.donboscochennai.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG-20240525-WA0019.jpg","house_name":"","commission_name":"","classification_name":""}]