Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 15: A significant milestone in the history of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Mangaluru was marked on Saturday, August 15, with the blessing and laying of the foundation stone for a new Salesian presence at Valencia. The ceremony took place on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, making the day particularly meaningful for the Salesian community and all those gathered for the event.
The foundation stone was blessed by Rev. Msgr. Maxim Lawrence Noronha, vicar general of the Diocese of Mangalore, in the presence of Fr Clive Telles, SDB, provincial of the Panjim (Konkan) Province. Also present were Fr Kiran Nazareth, SDB, rector of Don Bosco Shirva, and Fr Anisio Mota, SDB, in-charge of Don Bosco Attavar, along with Fr Cyprian Pinto, parish priest of Valencia Church, Fr Praveen D’Souza, ICYM director, Fr. Rajesh Rosario, rector of St Joseph Seminary, Fr Dominic Vaz, OCD, Fr Ivan Mendonca, SJ, Fr Edison Fernandes, SDB and Fr Jason Pinto, SDB. The ceremony was attended by Salesian co-operators, benefactors, friends and well-wishers of the Salesian mission, as well as other beneficiaries of Don Bosco’s works. Their presence reflected the support and collaboration that have accompanied the Salesians in their journey towards establishing a presence in the city of Mangaluru.
In his address, provincial Fr Clive said that, for the Salesians of Don Bosco, the occasion carried a special historical significance. The establishment of a Salesian presence in Mangaluru has been a long-cherished dream. Mangaluru, or the vicarate of Mangador then, has a particular place in Salesian tradition because of its association with the dream of Don Bosco, in which he is said to have seen this region. Over the years, the Salesians nurtured the hope of beginning a work in the city. The laying of the foundation stone at Valencia, therefore, represents an important step in the fulfilment of this long-awaited dream.
The new centre is planned to serve as a centre for Migrant Ministry and Skill Training, as well as a residence for the Salesians engaged in this mission. While the future activities of the centre will respond to the needs of young people and migrant communities, the foundation stone ceremony itself marked the beginning of this new chapter of Salesian presence in Mangaluru. The blessing of the foundation stone at Valencia marks more than the commencement of a building project. It was a moment of gratitude, hope and fulfilment, a visible sign that a dream cherished by the Salesians for many years is gradually becoming a reality.
As the Salesians of Don Bosco, Panjim (Konkan) Province begin this new chapter in Mangaluru, the hope is that the centre at Valencia will become a place of welcome, formation, service and pastoral presence, continuing the mission and spirit of St John Bosco in the diocese of Mangalore.