Posted On: 13 July, 2026

Salesian Province of Chennai organizes Annual Retreat for Rectors & Leaders at Yercaud - With a Renewed Spirit of "Second Calling" (11-18 July 2026)

The Annual Retreat for the Rectors and Leaders of the Salesian Province of Chennai concluded prayerfully at Yercaud, leaving the participants renewed in spirit and strengthened in their commitment to Salesian life and mission.

The retreat began with a orientation talk by Fr. L. Don Bosco, the Provincial of Salesian Province of Chennai on 11 July 2026.

The retreat was preached by Fr. Eric from the Provincial of Malta Province, who guided the participants through the inspiring theme "Second Calling." Throughout the retreat, he invited the confreres to rediscover God's continuing call in their lives—not merely the initial vocation to religious life, but the deeper and ever-renewed invitation to holiness, faithful discipleship, and joyful service.

Drawing from Sacred Scripture, Salesian spirituality, and practical life experiences, Fr. Eric encouraged the participants to embrace their leadership as a vocation rooted in humility, fatherhood, fraternity, and missionary zeal. He reminded the confreres that every stage of religious life is an opportunity to respond afresh to God's grace and to renew their passion for serving the young, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, following the example of St. John Bosco.

The retreat provided ample time for personal prayer, Eucharistic celebration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, spiritual reflection, and fraternity. These moments enabled the participants to deepen their relationship with the Lord and to prepare themselves spiritually for the responsibilities awaiting them in their respective communities and ministries.

The retreat concluded on 18 July 2026 with a Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. John Alexander, the Vice Provincial in an atmosphere of thanksgiving. The participants expressed their gratitude to Fr. Eric for his enriching conferences and inspiring reflections, which challenged them to embrace their "Second Calling" with renewed conviction and hope.

As the Rectors and Leaders return to their communities, they do so with hearts renewed by God's grace, ready to lead as authentic disciples of Christ and faithful sons of Don Bosco, carrying forward the mission of accompanying and educating the young with renewed zeal and pastoral charity.