Pope’s day celebration was held on 14th July ’24 at Bandel Retreat House, bringing together a large number of Cooperators from all the centres of Kolkata Province.

The event was a heartfelt tribute to the Pope’s leadership in the church and to commemorate Don Bosco’s filial devotion to the Supreme Pontiff.

The celebration began with flag hoisting in the Fatima Garden followed by lamp lighting and floral tribute to the Pope by dignitaries and the centre coordinators.

The Provincial, Fr Joseph Pauria SDB, gave a short inaugural address which reflected on the Pope’s vision, compassion and service. It was followed by the release of the dummy copy of the Bengali PAL, which is a significant achievement for the Salesian Co-operators. The translation was mainly done by Mr Sameer Stephen Lahiri from Krishnanagar and edited by Fr Saroj Mallik SDB.

Fr Siby Vadakel SDB and Mr Francis Mondal (Bandel Coordinator) were the main speakers of the day. The main celebrant of the beautiful Holy mass was Fr Provincial and concelebrated by Fr Francis Hira Gomes SDB. The Cooperators renewed their promise during the Holy Mass. A sumptuous lunch was followed by presentation of reports by the secretaries and administrators of the various centres. Then there was a cultural program, consisting of songs and skits.

Report by Mrs Suma Thomas, Provincial Coordinator, Calcutta Province.