As we prepare for the new academic year 2025-2026, I write to you with a heart full of gratitude and hope as we enter a sacred moment of transition a time marked by new appointments and transfers within our presences that will guide our mission in the coming year. This apostolic assignment is not merely administrative but deeply spiritual, calling us to renew and reflect deeply on our consecrated life, particularly on the vow of obedience, which unites us to Christ, who was "obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Phil 2:8). Like Mary, who said "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38), and Don Bosco, who followed God’s will with unwavering trust, we too are called to embrace these changes as part of God’s divine plan.

Obedience: A Path to Conformity with Christ

At the heart of our consecrated life lies the vow of obedience, a radical surrender to God’s will, modelled by Christ who "became obedient unto death, even death on a cross" (Phil 2:8). His entire life was a surrender to the Father’s will a model for us who have vowed to follow Him in religious obedience.  Just as Jesus completely submitted to the Father’s plan, and Mary proclaimed, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word" (Lk 1:38), we too are called to embrace God’s will with faith and generosity. St. John Bosco exemplified this obedience, declaring, "For you I study, for you I work, for you I live, for you I am ready even to give my life," demonstrating that true obedience is not passive compliance but an active, joyful surrender to mission. The Church teaches that religious obedience is "a total offering of self to God" (Perfectae Caritatis 14), where we "follow the obedient Christ" (Can. 601) by submitting our will to God as expressed through our superiors. St. Francis de Sales reminds us that "in holy obedience, there is no room for self-will; it is the death of self-love and the birth of divine love." Like Christ, who "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant" (Phil 2:6-7), and Mary, whose fiat was a trusting yes to God’s plan, we are called to live with the same docility to the Spirit, seeking not our own will but only the salvation of souls Da mihi animas, cetera tolle. May we, like Don Bosco, find our strength in obedience, trusting that wherever God sends us, He goes before us, making all things new.

Our identity or God’s Identity?

Obedience is a free response to God who speaks to us through the events of life, the demands of our mission, and the voice of superiors. It is a concrete way of sharing in the obedience of Christ. Yet, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly doing God’s mission, or have we become attached to our own plans, roles, and places?  After the recent General Chapter, many conversations with our confreres revealed a concerning trend some confreres prioritize ‘role identity’ over ‘consecrated identity’, resisting movements or changes as if the mission were ours rather than the Lord’s.  We need to seriously asks ourselves whether we find our identity in our portfolios or in our vows?  On the day of our profession, we freely chose to follow God’s will. Now, we need to introspect and ask ourselves: Are we listening to the voice of God who constantly calls us to do his will or are we submerged in listening to our own voice?

Where Do We Find Jesus? 

In every Eucharist and in every vulnerable young person, Christ awaits us. But we will only recognize Him if we ‘put on Christ’ (Gal 3:27) and see Him in our confreres and young people. Our ministries are not ends in themselves but means to lead souls to salvation. Let us not cling to places or positions but remain anchored in our consecration.  

As we enter this Jubilee Year of Hope, let us return to the core of our vocation:  

- Wherever we are sent, we find Jesus; in the Blessed Sacrament and in every vulnerable young person.  

- Every mission is a means to lead souls to salvation a commitment we made knowingly, freely, and willingly at our profession.  

- Our strength lies not in positions but in consecration in being Salesians first, before any title or assignment.  

A Time for Discernment and Renewal 

The Easter season reminds us that obedience leads to resurrection.  Just as Christ’s surrender brought forth new life, our obedience in transfers and appointments will bear fruit in the lives of the young if we embrace it with faith. Some may struggle with the new assignment, I assure you of my prayers and pastoral accompaniment. Let us not grow discouraged but move forward as "messengers of hope,” trusting that God has a plan for each one us in the new place of our mission.  Let us accept these transfers not with reluctance but with Easter faith knowing that obedience, like Christ’s, brings resurrection.  

Before initiating new presences, let us renew our existing ones with fresh zeal, ensuring that every community radiates the joy of the Gospel and the Salesian spirit.  As we accept these changes, let us walk as messengers of hope, let us pray for a Salesian Pentecost a new outpouring of the Spirit that unites us in mission and love. May Mary Help of Christians and Don Bosco guide us as we strive to live our Salesian consecration with joy, fidelity, and apostolic zeal.

"Obedience is the key that opens the gates of Heaven." – St. John Bosco

Yours affectionately in Don Bosco,

Fr. Don Bosco SDB
INM Provincial

Date: 04.05.2025
Place: Chennai - 600010