The Salesian post-novitiate Retreat – Don Bosco marked its 75th anniversary on Saturday, January 10, celebrating decades of formation and commitment to the Salesian mission.
Founded in 1950, the formation house commemorated the milestone with a day-long program that gathered Salesians, those in formation, collaborators, benefactors, and members of the local religious community.
The celebration opened with a solemn Eucharist presided over by Father Silvio Roggia, General councilor for formation, and concelebrated by several priests, according to a report by Agenzia iNfo Salesiana.
Among those present were the Salesian provincials of the India-Tiruchy and India-Chennai provinces, Father Doss Kennedy and Father Don Bosco Lourdusamy, as well as students from the India-Tiruchy formation houses and religious from Yercaud.
A cultural program followed at the house auditorium, where former directors of the post-novitiate received tributes recognizing their role in the formation of young Salesians.
Philosophy students staged a theatrical performance inspired by the Strenna and Jubilee theme, “Called – Formed – Sent,” while other formation houses from the India-Tiruchy Province contributed cultural presentations.
In the afternoon, students from the India-Tiruchy Inspectorate took part in a volleyball tournament aimed at fostering brotherhood and friendly competition. The pre-novitiate team won the tournament, defeating the philosophy studentate in the final match.
The day concluded with a dialogue session led by Father Roggia, who engaged the post-novitiate students in conversation and delivered a lecture focused on reflection and guidance for their future.
The evening ended with an informal family gathering, where students expressed gratitude through songs, short sketches, and performances.
Organizers described the anniversary as both a remembrance of the past and a reaffirmation of the formation house’s continuing mission.
“It was truly a day that honored the past, celebrated the present, and looked to the future with hope,” commented one of those present.
