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Fr. Biju Michael, Regional Councillor for the South Asia Region, completed his extraordinary visitation of all the communities in the Province of St. Joseph, Hyderabad, and convened an assembly of confreres to share his insights. He emphasized that the visitation reaches its logical conclusion only when the Rector Major studies the visitation report, evaluates it, and provides recommendations for implementation. The visitation, announced by Rector Major Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime on June 21, 2024, was conducted from August 30 to November 28, with Fr. Biju representing the Rector Major.
Addressing the assembly, Fr. Biju expressed gratitude to the rectors and commission heads for their meticulous preparation of the necessary documentation for the visitation. He extended special thanks to Provincial Fr. Santiagu, Vice-Provincial Fr. Kishor, and Fr. Neerikshan for their cooperation and support throughout the process.
Fr. Biju reflected on his extensive journey across the province, where he visited 31 communities and engaged with confreres, lay collaborators, and beneficiaries of their ministry. He lauded the province’s commitment to apostolic work, particularly its focus on serving the poor, and acknowledged significant strides in self-sustainability and infrastructure development.
“The province is blessed with a good median age, confreres who are gifted, committed, and foster a strong sense of belonging,” Fr. Biju remarked. He also commended the care extended to elderly and sick confreres and noted the encouraging number of aspirants and pre-novices preparing for Salesian life.
The assembly concluded with a Eucharistic celebration led by Fr. Biju. During his homily, he drew inspiration from Don Bosco’s dreams, urging confreres to remain humble, strong, and energetic in their mission to serve the young, as guided by Mary’s counsel to Don Bosco.
Fr. M. Wilson Jose delivered the vote of thanks, praising Fr. Biju’s inspiring leadership and his ability to speak truth with love and clarity. The extraordinary visitation marked a significant moment of reflection and renewal for the Hyderabad Province, setting a positive tone for its future endeavours.
