Fr. Thomas Koonan Appointed Provincial of Bangalore Salesian Province for 2027–2033

Bengaluru, November 4, 2026: The Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, with the consent of his General Council, has appointed Rev. Fr. Thomas Koonan, SDB, as the new Provincial of the Sacred Heart Province of Bangalore (INK) for the six-year term 2027–2033. He will succeed Rev. Fr. Jose Thomas Koyickal, SDB, upon the completion of his mandate.

The Bangalore Province, comprising 48 communities and 386 confreres serving across Karnataka and Kerala, looks forward to a renewed chapter of Salesian leadership and mission under his guidance.

Congratulating Fr. Thomas on his appointment, the outgoing Provincial, Fr. Jose Thomas Koyickal, expressed his joy and appreciation for his willingness to accept this important responsibility. He highlighted Fr. Thomas’s experience in various leadership roles, prayerful life, commitment to the Salesian mission, love for young people and fraternal spirit. He expressed confidence that his leadership would foster greater growth, communion and renewed missionary commitment within the Province.

Born on June 24, 1968, in Chalakudy, Kerala, Fr. Thomas Koonan belongs to St. Mary’s Forane Church, West Chalakudy, in Thrissur district. His Salesian journey began in May 1980 when he entered the Aspirantate at Don Bosco Bhavan, Mannuthy. He made his First Religious Profession on May 24, 1986, at Mount Don Bosco Novitiate, Kotagiri, and was ordained a priest on December 26, 1995.

Following his ordination, he served as Administrator and Professor of Philosophy at Don Bosco, Aluva, from 1997 to 1999, continuing his teaching ministry until 2000. He subsequently pursued doctoral studies in Sociology at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, and earned his PhD in 2003.

His commitment to Salesian education and institutional leadership was evident through his service as Vice-Rector and Principal of Don Bosco, Aluva, until 2006, followed by his appointment as Rector of the institution from 2006 to 2009.

Fr. Thomas served as Vice Provincial of the Bangalore Province from 2009 to 2015, contributing to its animation and governance. He later became Rector of Don Bosco College, Angadikadavu, serving from 2015 to 2021. His subsequent responsibilities included serving as Vice-Rector and Principal of Don Bosco, Mampetta (2021–2022), and Rector of Don Bosco Bhavan, Mannuthy (2022–2025). Since 2025, he has been serving as Vice-Rector and Principal of Don Bosco College, Yadagiri, Karnataka.

With extensive experience in formation, education, administration and provincial leadership, Fr. Thomas Koonan brings a wealth of pastoral and administrative experience to his new responsibility. His appointment marks an important milestone for the Bangalore Province as it continues its mission of accompanying young people, especially the poor and disadvantaged, through education, evangelisation and various social initiatives.

The Salesian community congratulates Rev. Fr. Thomas Koonan on his appointment and wishes him God’s abundant blessings as he prepares to take up this new responsibility in the service of the Congregation and young people.