Kolkata, Sep 24 (IANS): Rector Major Angel Fernandez Artime, the tenth successor of 19th century Italian educationist St. John Bosco - popularly known as Don Bosco - will interact with monks of Ramakrishna Mission (RKM) during his maiden visit to India beginning September 26.

A Roman Catholic priest of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Artime is a Spaniard who has worked in Argentina and is now based in Rome. He will be in Kolkata for three days to attend the conclusion of the year-long bicentennial celebrations of Don Bosco's birth, said Nirmol Gomes, the provincial of Don Bosco, Kolkata.

On September 28, Artime will interact with senior monks of the RKM at its headquarter in Belur.

He will also attend the South Asia Salesian Family Congress at Don Bosco, Liluah, which marks the concluding ceremony of Don Bosco's 200th birthday with the theme aOne Family, One Mission'.

Around 1,900 delegates representing 11 groups of the Salesian Family which includes fathers, brothers, sisters, alumni and lay groups of men and women will felicitate him.

The Salesian Family is a spiritual movement which brings together all the groups which share Don Bosco's mission to youth and work in his spirit.

Don Bosco himself founded the Salesian Society, the Salesian Sisters, the Cooperators and Past Pupils. Don Bosco Kolkata happens to be the first Indian Salesian province established in 1926. Currently there are 12 Don Bosco provinces in India and Sri Lanka.

Artime is also scheduled to visit Don Bosco Ashalayam (Hope Home) in Howrah which marks 30 years of caring for street children and has 25 centres in Kolkata and other Salesian initiatives during his tour in West Bengal.

In addition, he will also witness the main function on September 28 at the Netaji Indoor Stadium.