Salesian Family Day – 2025A Golden Jubilee Celebration of Hope and Mission
The Salesian Family of Kerala gathered in a spirit of thanksgiving and fraternity on Sunday, 7
December 2025, at Don Bosco College, Mannuthy, Thrissur, to celebrate Salesian Family Day
– 2025, together with the Grand Finale of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Association
of Salesian Cooperators (ASC), Don Bosco College Unit. The event marked fifty years of
committed lay – religious collaboration, inspired by the theme “SPERANZA – Hope.”
From the early morning hours, the Don Bosco College campus radiated the joy of communion
as members of various Salesian Family units assembled from across Kerala. Fellowship and
warm interaction fostered the family spirit that lies at the heart of the Salesian charism. At
9.30 a.m., the Salesian Family Flag was solemnly hoisted by the Provincial, Rev. Fr. Jose
Thomas Koyickal SDB, near the statue of Don Bosco, symbolically entrusting the celebrations
to the Founder and renewing commitment to his mission.
The Holy Eucharist, celebrated in the Syro-Malabar rite with the Provincial as the main
celebrant and several concelebrants, formed the spiritual centre of the day. The liturgy
reflected the Salesian approach to faith – simple, joyful and rooted in trust in Divine
Providence. During the Eucharist, new members made their Apostolic Promise, highlighting
the vitality of the Association of Salesian Cooperators and their readiness to share
responsibility for the Salesian mission, especially among the young.
The inaugural session was enriched by a prayerful cultural presentation by the students of
Don Bosco College, followed by a moment of silence in memory of departed members of the
Salesian Family. The Inaugural Ceremony gained special significance with the presence of the
Provincial. The programme began with a cordial welcome by Rev. Fr. Cyril John Edamana
SDB, Rector and Manager of Don Bosco College, Mannuthy, and was presided over by Mr.
Devassy Kokken, Coordinator of the ASC Mannuthy Unit. Lighting of the ceremonial lamp
formally inaugurated the celebrations. In his inaugural address, the Provincial invited the
Salesian Family to rediscover hope as a Christian and Salesian virtue and to renew its
commitment to unity, shared responsibility and service to the young and the poor, in fidelity
to Don Bosco’s preventive system.
A key highlight of the forenoon was the release of the Golden Jubilee Souvenir,
commemorating fifty years of the ASC unit at Mannuthy. This was followed by an enriching
session on Strenna 2026 by Rev. Fr. Jimmy Jose SDB, Principal of Don Bosco College. Cultural
presentations further enhanced the joy and fellowship of the gathering.
The Valedictory Function, held in the afternoon, marked the culmination of the celebrations.
The session was honoured by the presence of the Chief Guest, Mr. V. Roy Jose, IRS,
Commissioner of Income Tax, a former Salesian and proud product of Don Bosco institutions.
In his inspiring address, he reflected on how Salesian values such as integrity, discipline,
compassion and social responsibility had shaped his life and career. The function was presided
over by Mr. K. T. Davies, General Convenor of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations.
Standing as a powerful testimony to the strength and continuity of the Salesian Cooperators
of Mannuthy, jubilarians from various Salesian Family branches were honoured for
milestones in religious profession, marriage and long years of faithful association.
Scholarships were also distributed to deserving students, reaffirming the Salesian preferential
option for the young.
Salesian Family Day 2025 thus emerged as a moment of gratitude, renewal and missionary
recommitment. Inspired by SPERANZA, the Salesian Family renewed its resolve to walk
together in communion, carrying forward Don Bosco’s mission of forming good Christians
and responsible citizens.
