From September 16th to 22nd, 51 Salesians gathered for the annual retreat at Don Bosco Institute for Development and Leadership (DBIDL) in Dimapur. The retreat was preached by Fr. Dr. Thomas Anchukandam, SDB, from the Province of Bangalore. Fr. Thomas, currently the Director of the Institute of Salesian History at UPS Rome, is a former provincial of Bangalore and has served as a professor of Church History at Kristu Jyoti College (KJC), Bangalore.
The retreat began with a warm introduction of the preacher by Fr. Deli, the Vice Provincial, who also welcomed the participants and set the tone for the days ahead. Fr. Thomas guided the Salesians through reflections on various aspects of religious life, focusing particularly on Salesian spirituality. He also shared insights from the lives of early prominent Salesians in India, enriching the retreatants with historical and spiritual perspectives.
Throughout the retreat, different priests presided over the daily Eucharist and delivered Good Night talks, offering further spiritual nourishment. On September 20th, the Sacrament of Reconciliation was administered, providing a moment of grace for the retreatants.
The retreat concluded on September 22nd with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Joseph Pampackal, the Provincial, who also made time to meet with many of the retreatants during the week. The annual retreat was a time of renewal and spiritual deepening for all who attended.
