After having visited two of our parishes, Giumarra and Castel di Iudica in Italy, Rev. Fr. A. Dharmaraj, our Provincial along with our confreres, Fr. A. Jayaseela Rajan, Fr. A. Jeyaraj and Fr. H. Ebin Christopher, arrived at Grammichele at 9.00 a.m. on 29^th February, 2016. The parishioners of St. Ann’s Church, Grammichele gave all our fathers a warm welcome and we celebrated Holy Eucharist with them. Fr. Ebin Christopher presided over the celebration and Fr. Provincial gave a short message on “You are the beautiful temple of God.” The people were overwhelmed with abundant joy for having participated in the sacred meal together with all of us. They too expressed their happiness over our presence in the diocese of Caltagirone.

Fr. Suvakkin Johnson, Msfs

The Parishioners of Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Nalattinputhur witnessed and received great blessings as they participated in the six-day Mermier Mission preached in their parish from Sunday, 31^st January to Friday, 05^th February. It was preached and animated by Rev. Fr. A. Jeyakumar and his team from Chennai. During the six days, from 9.00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m., fathers visited all the houses in the parish as well as those in the substations and prayed for the people. People who were in need of counselling and spiritual guidance were given the same. From 6.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m., there was Praise and Worship, and Holy Eucharistic Celebration, followed by Preaching and Adoration. On the third day, people were administered the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Almost all the parishioners attended this mega spiritual event and experienced divine touch in their lives.

Fr. I. Jone Gragori

20^th February, 2016 was a day of joy and jubilation for the two provinces – South-East and South-West, as they witnessed the great event of the Diaconate Ordination of seven brothers of which five were our Msfs confreres and two Benedictines. And among the five Msfs, two belong to our South-East Province, namely, Bro. S. Arockiam and Bro. M. Joseph Anish Kumar. All of them were ordained deacons by His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Michael Miranda, the Bishop of Gulbarga, Karnataka. In his homily, the Bishop very aptly stressed on the duties of a deacon and he exhorted all of them to be more vibrant in their future ministry.

The event was graced by more than 70 priests, and a good number of religious, relatives and friends. Fr. George Kootinal, the Rector of S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai, was the Provincial Delegate from our Province. The day was made more colourful by the graceful presence of Fr. A. Edward, the PCIC of Mission of our Province and more than 15 of our confreres from the communities of Provincialate, Alangayam, Vaniyambadi, and Minor Seminary and fathers studying in Dharmaram and I.I.S. The Eucharistic celebration was followed by a short felicitation for the newly ordained deacons and the celebration came to an end with a fellowship meal.

Bro. D. Britto

Many Congrats & loving wishes to our dear Dns. S. Arockiam and M. Joseph Anish Kumar!

With great excitement and jubilation, on 26^th February, 2016, S.F.S. Matric. Hr. Sec. School, Pudukkottai, celebrated its Annual Day in its premises. The school was illuminated and well decorated with balloons and banners. As the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and other important VIPs arrived, they were escorted by the Management, Teachers’ Representative, Animators along with SPL and ASPL. They were received on to the stage with a flower showering dance by the students. The Chief Guest of the day was honourable Mr. S. Ganesh, IAS, the District Collector of Pudukkottai and the Guest of Honour was Rev. Fr. C. Sebastin Raj, the PCIC of Education and Admonitor of our South-East India Province.

The programme began with a prayer song led by the school choir. The students welcomed the gathering through our traditional Bharathanatiyam. Rev. Fr. A. Arul Francis, the Principal, introduced the Chief Guest, Mr. S. Ganesh, IAS and Guest of Honour, Rev. Fr. C. Sebastin Raj to the audience and honoured them with bouquets and mementos. He also welcomed each and every one who was present at the function. The tiny tots of the school delighted the audience with their charming dance performance.

The Chief Guest was requested to honour the teachers, who served the institution for more than 10 years, with golden rings. Mrs. Kalaimani, who received the Best Teacher Award from Tamil Nadu State Government and the students, who brought laurels to the school in the Board Exam, were also honoured. The result of group activities was announced and Blue House was declared the Winner of the Year and Red House runner-up. The Chief Guest addressed the gathering with his eloquence and he appreciated the school for its academic excellence.

Proficiency certificates and prizes for the meritorious students were distributed by the Guest of Honour, Rev. Fr. C. Sebastin Raj. He, in his speech, appreciated the school for its tremendous efforts put in for the well-being of the students. The Principal gave the school annual report on video presentation. Students from each class made the evening so enjoyable with their colourful dance, song, and drama and received a big round of applause.

Rev. Fr. Vincent, the Vice Principal, proposed the vote of thanks. Thus, the programme ended at 9.10 p.m. with the National Anthem.

“This is the day, the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Ps118:24)

05^th March, 2016 marked another step forward in the history of Social & Innovative Ministries in South-East India Province, as on the same day, foundation-stone was laid for the De-addiction Counselling Centre at Sogathur, Dharmapuri, Tamilnadu, South India.

With the earnest interest and the tireless efforts of Rev. Fr. A. Dharmaraj, the then Superior and Parish Priest of Vaniyambadi, because of his love for the expansion of MSFS Presence in Tamilnadu and the wholehearted support and help of Rev. Fr. Mani Panthalani, the then Provincial of Vizag, in March 1995, 5.18 acres of land was purchased at Sogathur, Dharmapuri. We salute and express our deepest sentiments of gratitude to them. Thanks also to our Fathers in Vaniyambadi and Alangayam communities who were taking care of the land.

On Saturday, 05^th March, 2016, at Salesi Nagar, Sogathur, there was a festive atmosphere. At 11.15 a.m., Fr. C. Sebastinraj welcomed Rev. Fr. A. Dharmaraj, the finder cum founder of the place, and the Provincial of South-East India Province with profound gratitude and love recalling the past history of the place. Fr. C. Sebastinraj also extended a cordial welcome to each of our confreres who had come over there taking time and trouble to grace the occasion.

The fathers who enriched the occasion with their prayerful presence were Fr. S. Deivasakayaraj, the PCIC of Formation, Fr. A. Edward, the PCIC of Mission, Fr. M. Nicholas, the Provincial Bursar, Fr. L. Basker, the Provincial Secretary, Fr. Joy Mampally, the Rector of Suvidya College, Frs. A. Maria Selvan and Lawrence from Suvidya, Fr. David, the Rector of Salem Seminary, Fr. S. Antony (Germany), Fr. A. Edmund, Fr. L. Arul Sundaram, Fr. A. Christu Raj, Fr. M. Victor, Fr. A. Michael,Fr. S. Amirthanathan, Fr. P. Anantha Raj, Fr. S. Simon Prabhu, Fr. D. Johnson, and Fr. B. Francis Xavier. Indeed, it was an inter-province participation on the occasion.

Fr. C. Sebastinraj thanked the Almighty for His benevolence and for the mission entrusted to Fr. Peter Mermier, our Founder, under the patronage of St. Francis De Sales, our Patron, to commence relevant and innovative ministries. It was pointed out that it was an Exodus Experience with regard to the ministry at Dharmapuri. It was also emphatically affirmed that this is the ministry of the Province; hence, every member is invited to be part of it so as to become an enabler and facilitator for the ministry of sobriety.

As the Word of God, praying Psalms and intercession marked the Divine presence of Almighty, Rev. Fr. A. Dharmaraj, the Provincial Superior blessed the building sight amidst the holy band of our confreres and laid the foundation stone by invoking God’s blessing. All the fathers present took turn to bless the foundation-stone with prayers and showering of flowers. Angelic hymns filled the air and the atmosphere was nourished with the heavenly showers of blessing and spiritual vibration. Thanks to each of you, dear fathers, for your prayers and blessing.

Fr. C. Sebastinraj

We extend our hearty congratulations to Fr. S. Arockia Christu Raj for successfully completing his MTh Studies in Spirituality from IIS, Bengaluru.

A two-day Live in Programme for the batches ordained in 2010 – 2015 is arranged at Kolli Hills from 4^th to 5^th April, 2016. This Programme of coming together and living together will enable the participants to share their experiences, insights and challenges in their ministry and help to evaluate it. Hence, I strongly urge all the Confreres belonging to the above-mentioned batches to attend this Programme without fail.

ON HOME HOLIDAYS FROM ABROAD

Rev. Fr. Benny Koottanal, Msfs, the newly appointed Provincial of South-West India Province, has convoked the Provincial Chapter from 11^th to 15^th April, 2016. The theme is: Forming Committed MSFS Rooted in Community Life for Prophetic Ministries Today. Let us pray for the success of the Provincial Chapter.

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Mappilaparambil, Msfs, the first Regional Superior of the New Region in North-East Province has convoked the First Ordinary Regional Assembly from 13^th to 15^th April, 2016. The theme is: Frontier Fransalians in Northeast India: Formed in Compassion, United in Mission. Let us pray for the success of the Regional Assembly.

The Provincial Council, which met at the Provincialate on 25^th January, 2016, has promoted the following Deacons of our Province to be ordained Priests:

1. DN. K. DOMINIC SAVIO

Dn. K. Dominic Savio hails from Michael Puram, Villupuram (Dt), Tamil Nadu. His parents are Mr. S. Kulandai Yesu and Mrs. K. Paulin Mary. He has one elder and one younger brothers. He had his schooling at St. Michael’s High School, Michael Puram. He began his Minor Seminary Formation at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in 2004 and had his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 10^th June, 2008. He pursued his Philosophical and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore.

He did his Regency at S.F.S. Industrial School, Adappakkaran Sathiram, Pudukkottai, and Theology at Vijnananilayam, Janampet, Eluru. He was ordained a Deacon by his Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Murray Chatlain, the Archbishop of Keewatin, Canada, at M.S.F.S. Study House, Janampet, Eluru, Andhra on 25^th January, 2015. At present, he is doing his Diaconate Ministry at Vaniyambadi in the Diocese of Vellore. He will be ordained a Priest by his Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. P. Soundara Raju, the Bishop of Vellore, at St. Michael’s Church, Michael Puram, on 19^th April, 2016.

2. DN. L. JAYA RAJ

Dn. L. Jaya Raj hails from Viriyur, Villupuram (Dt), Tamil Nadu. His parents are Mr. A. Lourdu and Mrs. L. Theres. He has one elder sister and five elder brothers. He had his schooling at Adaikala Annai Hr. Sec. School, Viriyur. He began his Minor Seminary Formation at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in 2004 and had his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 10^th June, 2008. He pursued his Philosophical and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore.

He did his Regency at Kolli Hills, and Theology at Vijnananilayam, Janampet, Eluru. He was ordained a Deacon by his Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Murray Chatlain, the Archbishop of Keewatin, Canada, at M.S.F.S. Study House, Janampet, Eluru, Andhra on 25^th January, 2015. At present, he is doing his Diaconate Ministry at Othaiyal in the Archdiocese of Madurai. He will be ordained a Priest by his Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Sebastianappan Singaroyan, the Bishop of Salem, at Our Lady of Refuge Church, Viriyur, on 20^th April, 2016.

3. DN. A. WILLIAM

Dn. A. William hails from Kalladithidal, Sivagangai (Dt), Tamil Nadu. His parents are Mr. C. Anthony Samy and Mrs. A. Kulandai Therese. He has one younger brother and one younger sister. He had his schooling at St. Antony’s High School, Kalladithidal. He began his Minor Seminary Formation at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in 2004 and had his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 10^th June, 2008. He pursued his Philosophical and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore.

He did his Regency at Bashbari, Kokrajar (Dt), Assam, and Theology at Oriens Theological College, Shillong. He was ordained a Deacon by his Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Dominic Jala, SDB, the Archbishop of Shillong, at M.S.F.S. Study House, Shillong on 14^th May, 2015. At present, he is doing his Diaconate Ministry at Kadayal in the Diocese of Kuzhithurai. He will be ordained a Priest by his Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Susaimanickam, the Bishop of Sivagangai, at St. Antony’s Church, Kalladithidal, on 23^rd April, 2016.

4. DN. C. MARTIN KUMAR

Dn. C. Martin Kumar hails from Agarakottalam, Villupuram (Dt), Tamil Nadu. His parents are Mr. N. Chinnappan and Mrs. C. Gnanasaundary. He has one elder sister and one elder brother. He had his initial education at R.C. Middle School, Agarakottalam and High Schooling at Adaikala Annai Hr. Sec. School, Viriyur. He began his Minor Seminary Formation at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in 2004 and had his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 10^th June, 2008. He pursued his Philosophical and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore.

He did his Regency at S.F.S. Matric. Hr. Sec. School, Pudukkottai, and Theology at Vijnananilayam, Janampet, Eluru. He was ordained a Deacon by his Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Murray Chatlain, the Archbishop of Keewatin, Canada, at M.S.F.S. Study House, Janampet, Eluru, Andhra on 25^th January, 2015. At present, he is doing his Diaconate Ministry at Ammapatti in the Archdiocese of Madurai. He will be ordained a Priest by his Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Sebastianappan Singaroyan, the Bishop of Salem, at St. Joseph’s Church, Agarakottalam, on 25^th April, 2016.

5. DN. A. CHINNASAMY YESURAJ

Dn. A. Chinnasamy Yesuraj hails from Kovilanur, Cuddalore (Dt), Tamil Nadu. His parents are Mr. C. Amala Pushpa Raj and Mrs. A. Sagaya Mary. He has two younger sisters. He had his initial education at R.C. Middle School, Kovilanur, and Middle Schooling at R.C. Nicholas Middle School, Settipatty, Omalure and High Schooling at St. Paul’s Hr. Sec. School, Salem. He began his Minor Seminary Formation at S.F.S. Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai in 2003 and had his Novitiate at Salesianum, Visakhapatnam. He made his First Profession on 25^th August, 2007. He did his first phase of Regency at Rose Hill, Visakhapatnam. He pursued his Philosophical and B.A. studies at Suvidya College, Bangalore.

He did his second phase of Regency at S.F.S. Mission Centre, Tenning, Nagaland, and Theology at Oriens Theological College, Shillong. He was ordained a Deacon by his Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Dominic Jala, SDB, the Archbishop of Shillong, at M.S.F.S. Study House, Shillong on 14^th May, 2015. At present, he is doing his Diaconate Ministry at Kodungal in the Archdiocese of Pondicherry-Cuddalore. He will be ordained a Priest by his Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Sebastianappan Singaroyan, the Bishop of Salem, at Our Lady of Carmel Church, Kovilanur, on 26^th April, 2016.

THEME OF THE RETREAT: LOOK AT JESUS AND BE RADIANT (PSALM 34:5)

We the members of South-East India Province had our annual retreat at Poondi Madha Retreat Centre, in the diocese of Kumbakonam from 18^th September to 23^rd September 2016. The spiritual event began at 9pm on 18^th September. Rev. Fr. Joseph a totally blind priest from the Redeemtorist congregation was the retreat preacher. Though he had no light in his eyes his inner eyes were full of sight and filled with God’s power he could open the many eyes which were spiritually blind.

The focus of the retreat was to look at Jesus and be radiant. St. Jerome rightly said that ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ. Time and again throughout the retreat he emphasized upon the importance of the word of God and the assistance of the Holy Spirit to understand the word of God.

The retreat came on end with the anointing of the Holy Spirit of the participants followed by an evaluation of the retreat. Fr. A. Edward thanked the Almighty for his manifold blessings and the preacher for his dedicated preaching and the entire audience for their whole hearted participation in the retreat.

Fr. K. Dominic Savio

16^th September, 2016 was a joyous day for the parish of Nachiarkoil which witnessed the blessing of the foundation stone. Fr. Anantharaj extended a warm welcome to Rev. Fr. Antony Dharmaraj,  the Provincial of South-East India Province  to lay  the foundation  stone  for the parish office and it was blessed by  Rev. Fr. Agnelo  Fernando,  the general councilor  for the mission in the presence of Msfs priests , parish council members , village heads and well wishers. After the programme the parish priest thanked everyone for their presence and prayers.

Fr. Anantharaj

The Annai Velankanni Madha Alayam at Kunnathur, (Under Mariapuram Parish) was blessed by Rev. Bp. Thomas Aquinas and Opened by Rev. Fr. A. Dharmaraj, Msfs on 4-9-2016 at 6PM, in the presence of faithful and people. This Chapel was a long awaited need of the faithful and the people of Kunnathur. Since it is ANNAI VELANKANNI MADHA ALAYAM, every passer-by also pray and benefit. On 4^th September 2016, after the blessing and opening of the chapel, there was a short felicitation and prayers to all the dignitaries, well-wishers and sponsors. At the end of the programme everyone was served a fellowship dinner. This spiritual celebration went on well until 8^th morning of September 2016, with a FEAST MASS celebrated at 8.30AM. Thanks to the Coimbatore Diocese, South-East India Province of MSFS and all donors and people. God Bless Us all through the intercession of AVM (Annai Velankanni Madha).

Fr. Pilavendran

The SFS industrial school at Chathiram celebrated the blessing and dedication of its new chapel and two renovated guest rooms. Rev. Fr. Dharmaraj, the Provincial graced and presided over the blessing and opening of the chapel, the rooms and the kitchen accompanied by Fr. Edward, Msfs, councilor in-charge for Mission. At this auspices moment we gratefully remember and thank late Rev. Fr. Dominic, Msfs, the visionary and the founder of the industrial school. Sincere thanks also to Fr. Dharma raj, the Provincial and His council for their support and encouragement.

Fr. Benjamin

Pope John Paul II describes seminary formation as,

 “A continuation in the Church of the apostolic community gathered about Jesus, listening to his word, proceeding towards the Easter experience, awaiting the gift of the Spirit for the mission.”

The Church continues to place the highest value on the work of priestly formation, because it is linked to the very mission of the Church, especially the evangelization of humanity: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19).

Keeping in mind the value and the importance of the priestly formation and to increase the quality of the priestly formation we convoked the first Formation Forum meeting of this  academic year on 09^th, September,2016 at 09:00 am at the Provincialate. As the saying goes, “Every moment is the start of the next big things in life” we started the moments of the meeting with a Prayer-filled and Grace-Filled half an hour of adoration, conducted by Rev. Fr. Arockia Selvam. Good many of the members of the formation forum participated in the meeting in the presence of Rev. Fr. Antony Dharmaraj, Our Provincial and Rev. Fr. Deivasakayaraj, the Councillor in charge for formation. The discussions of the meeting were based on;

• Graded Formation in all the stages of  formation
• Common Syllabus in all our formation houses
• Human Formation
• The Postulants programme   in our minor seminary

We concluded the meeting at 01:00 pm by singing a Hymn to our Mother Mary.

Thanks to all the participants.

“God always calls his priests from specific human and ecclesial contexts, which inevitably influence them; and to these same contexts the priest is sent for the service of Christ’s Gospel” (Pastores dabo vobis, no. 5).

 Fr. Sheen

The members of the Forum arrived at the venue in the early morning of the day. It was our Provincialate at Nagamangalam that the meeting was held and we started the day’s program with prayers of Adoration and thanksgiving after the breakfast at 9 a.m. Rev. Fr. C. Sebastin Raj the Admonitor and Councilor in charge of Education Forum led the prayer service in which good number of the Forum Members participated. Rev. Fr. Amirtha Rajan the Secretary of Education Forum welcomed Very. Rev. Fr. A. Dharmaraj -The Provincial of South East India Province, all the participants and especially the new comers to the Education and Stewardship Forums and after which a silent homage was paid by praying for the departed souls of our confreres of our Province more especially for late Rev. Fr. Dominic Savio who was a member of the Education Forum. The Key-note address and Orientation thoughts were given by Fr. C .Sebastin Raj and the actual discussions began thereafter based on the selected points given to the present members concerning our SFS Schools in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. The important points that were discussed:

1. New Initiatives and Creativity
2. Review on Centralized Text- Books/Distributor (Dealer)

• Minority Status

1. Critique-New Education Policy of Indian Government
2. Conferrers: Role and Responsibility
3. Tri-dimensional Relationship

• Language: Significance and Expectation
• Local Challenges

Rev. Fr. Nicholas the Bursar of our Province welcomed Very. Rev. Fr. A. Dharmaraj-Provincial of SEIP and all the Participants

Few Highlights of the discussions in the Stewardship Forum are as follows:

• Original Land Documents are to be submitted in the province and the same is to be registered in the local Punchayat
• Pan-Card number is to be registered in the Bank
• If School and Parish communities are attached then only for maintenance and stay of the working conferrers in the institute money can be spent from the school
• If the expense exceeds Rs.20, 000 then the permission is to be sought from the provincial and a third signatory is also insisted upon.

At the end Very .Rev. Fr. A. Dharma Raj congratulated all our confreres who worked hard to produce good results in the last academic year 2015-16 especially for the 10^th and 12^th standard He also thanked the participants (especially Correspondents, Principals, Procurators, and Teachers of our schools) for the commitment and tireless service towards education of the children. Rev. Fr. C. Sebastin invited the confreres to celebrate our beloved provincials Silver Jubilee of His Priestly Ordination Anniversary Day at our Provincialate. And with a short prayer the meeting came to an end by 1:30p.m and all the members had their lunch after which they dispersed to their respective ministry places.

Fr. M. Simon Prabu

On 17th June, 2017 was an auspicious day of spiritual event for our 41 Scholastics from Oriens Theological College. On that day at about 5 p.m., they were ordained to the ministry of Diaconate by His Grace, Most. Rev. Dr. Dominic Jala, SDB, the Archbishop of Shillong. The mega spiritual event was held at St. Dominic Savio parish, Shillong. Among the forty one deacons, six deacons were from MSFS Study house, out of which, two belong to the south-east India province namely Dn. Nelson and Dn. Philomin and four belong to the Northeast India province. The diaconate ordination was enriched by the inspiring and encouraging message given by His Grace. A good number of priests and religious, as well as the parents and relatives of the Deacons were present to make this spiritual event more solemn. After the Holy Eucharist, we all came back to our study house, and then we had the felicitation for the newly ordained Deacons, which was followed by a delicious dinner. We congratulate our new deacons, who have come forward to serve the Lord and His people.

Bro. Motcha Richard

ON HOME HOLIDAYS FROM ABROAD

We wish them a good time with their dear and near ones.

MY PROGRAMME
July

The Second Mission Forum Meeting of South East India Province was held on 13^th September 2017 in the MSFS Provincialate, Nagamangalam, in the presence of Fr. Agnelo Fernandes, the General Councilor for Mission. The meeting was attended by 25 members. The meeting commenced at 9 a.m. with half an hour Eucharistic Adoration led by Frs. Arockiam and D. Jaya Kumar. Then at 9.45 a.m. we gathered together at the conference hall and the meeting began with an opening prayer led by Fr. Edmund. Fr. Kanikkai Nathan, the Convener of the Mission Forum extended a cordial welcome to Fr. Agnelo, the General Councilor of Mission, to Fr. Ignacimuthu, the Provincial and to all the members with a special mention of Fr. C. John Britto, who recently returned from USA and was attending his first meeting with us. After the welcome, the minutes of the previous meeting were read out by Fr. Stephen Xavier, the secretary and they were passed without any correction.

Fr. Agnelo Fernandes, the General Councilor of Mission with his vast knowledge, deep spirituality and varied mission experience, oriented the members with his insightful thoughts on the theme, “The Theology of Religious Leadership.” He began his address stating that ‘people at the grass root level are the yardstick of our mission progresses. He appreciated the Fransalian contribution and the Fransalian mission dynamism in the Dioceses. Fr. Agnelo beautifully presented the theology of a religious – missionary leader in depth.

After the Tea-break, Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, the Provincial Superior briefed the members about a few pressing challenges in the area of mission in our province and sought the ways to combat them. The members expressed their opinions and suggestions on the prevailing challenges of the mission. After the sharing session, the actions plans of the previous congresses (2011, 2014, and 2017) were read out and evaluated, as to how far we have achieved and what steps were necessary for further improvement.

In the Afternoon session, certain areas of concern such as; Friends of Fransalians and Fransalian Associates, Introducing the Parish Management Software, Coordination of the Youth Ministry, Parish Mission Preaching Team and the Parish Renewal, Fransalian Sunday and Transmitting Salesian Spirituality, Mission Sangamam and its Follow– Up, were discussed. Fr. Nicholas, the bursar instructed the members on the account keeping and the new rules that were to be adhered to, after the introduction of GST. Fr. Kanikkai Nathan, the convener of the mission forum thanked Fr. Agnelo Fernandes, the General Councilor of Mission for his presence and message and he also thanked Fr. Provincial and all the members of the forum. And with a final prayer led by Fr. Jerome, the meeting came to an end at 5.00. p.m.

Fr. Stephen Xavier

The second meeting of the social and innovative ministry forum of SE India Province with Fr. Agnelo Fernandes, the General Councilor in charge of Mission and of the social and innovative ministry took place on the 15^{th of September, 2017 at the Provincialate, in the presence of our Provincial Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu. The meeting was attended by all the members of the forum except, a few who could not make it, due to personal reasons. The daylong meeting was an enriching one for all us and sincere thanks to the input session by Fr. Agnelo Fernandes, the resource person and to all the members, who were present, for their active participation.}

In the morning, we had the input session by Fr. Agnelo, who stressed on the importance of rejuvenating the thirst for the social and innovative ministry. The foundation for such ministry is to be seen in the social teachings of the church. To carry out the social ministry effectively, he presented the Pastoral Spiral. With the inspiration from the resource person, all the members actively shared their experiences, activities and challenges in their respective ministry places. In the process, many innovative ideas came out. At the same time, we could understand the new challenges that were emerging and the ways to address them. A serious discussion was made on, how to mark the year of education and social and innovative ministry meaningful. Few interesting proposals were made in this regard. After the sharing session, Fr. Agnelo shared information from the side of the General Curia. At the end Fr. Amirtharajan, the Councilor in charge of innovative ministry thanked everyone present.

Fr. X. George Navin

We had the second meeting of the Formation Forum with Rev. Fr. Noel, the General Councilor for formation on 11^th September, 2017 at MSFS Minor Seminary, Pudukkottai. We started the meeting with half an hour of adoration, at 9:15 am. At the very outset of the meeting, Rev. Fr. A. Santhiyagu, the Councilor for formation welcomed everyone, especially, Rev. Fr. Noel, the General Councilor for formation and Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, the Provincial of South East India Province. A bouquet to each was given by Rev. Fr. George Kootinal, the Rector of the Minor Seminary and Rev. Fr. D. Kanikkai Nathan, the Councilor In-charge for Mission.

Rev. Fr. Noel and Rev. Fr. D. Kanikkai Nathan enlightened the assembly about the Graded Formation, which would be implemented from the coming academic year onwards. This will start from the minor seminary itself.

We discussed also on the school-going students and studied the possibility of sending our students for their higher secondary studies to one of our schools. Finally, it was decided that our students, who join the seminary in Pudukkottai after the completion of class 10, would be enrolled as students in S.F.S. School in Vaniyambadi, for their +1 and +2 studies from the coming academic year onwards. A review was done on the Postulancy programme, about its nature and success and suggestions were given for the future improvement. It was also felt that we need to have concrete plans for the students from North India (Odisha).

Rev.Fr. A. Santhiyagu, the Councilor for formation thanked all the participants of the meeting, especially Rev. Fr. Noel, the General Councilor in-charge for formation and Rev. Fr. K. Ignacimuthu, the Provincial of South East India Province. We concluded the programme praising the name of the Trinity at 1.00. p.m.

Fr. D. Sheen