On January 2nd, 2025, a workshop was held for the sisters belonging to the Congregation of St. Anne’s of Chennai. This workshop was designed to help the participants become more effective in their pastoral ministry. The workshop was divided into three sections. The first three sessions focused on the tasks and sources of catechesis, as well as the jubilee indulgence. After the break, there were two additional sessions on how to prepare a catechetical session using the anthropological method, followed by a demonstration session on a particular topic. The afternoon sessions primarily consisted of practice, as the participants prepared demo sessions of half an hour each, following the steps of the anthropological method. Father Kumudo Kuriakose Digal, the Catechetical Director of Nitika, was the resource person for the day. The workshop had 21 participants who expressed satisfaction with the sessions and provided positive feedback regarding how the workshop would benefit them in their parishes and other settings of their ministry.
A catechetical workshop was organized on December 18, 2024, at Proggaloy Barasat for the catechists and catechism teachers of the 24 Parganas (N) Deanery. This deanery consists of eleven parishes, one of which is under the care of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Around 40 participants from eight different parishes attended the workshop, which was conducted in Bengali.
Fr. Kumudo Kuriakose Digal SDB from Nitika Don Bosco served as the resource person for the day. He discussed on the Jubilee Indulgence, explaining its meaning, providing a brief history, and outlining its benefits for the faithful. He also addressed how to plan and prepare for catechism classes, particularly in preparing children for their First Holy Communion. The participants were pleased to learn about the possibility of gaining both plenary and partial indulgences for the remission of their temporal punishment.
After the workshop, the participants were asked to come together in their respective parish groups to develop action plans for the forthcoming jubilee in 2025. Later in the afternoon, participants were encouraged to spend some time in prayer and silence to prepare for the sacrament of confession.
A Catechetical workshop was organized in Bengali on December 5, 2024, at Seva Kendra Kharagpur for the Catechism teachers and catechists of Medinipur Deanery. This deanery consists of 14 parishes, one of which is cared for by the Salesians of Don Bosco. The participants at the workshop were from 10 parishes of the Deanery. It was a mixed group of male and female catechists as well as some religious sisters from four religious congregations. Fr. Kumudo Kuriakose Digal from Nitika Don Bosco was the resource person. He talked about Jubilee Indulgence, explaining its meaning, brief history, and benefits for the faithful. The participants were happy to learn about the possibility of gaining both plenary and partial indulgences for the remission of their temporal punishment. After the workshop, the participants were made to come together in their parish groups to draw up some action plans for the Jubilee 2025. Afternoon the participants were prepared for the sacrament of confession as a preparation for the feast of the Nativity of our Lord. Over all the participants were grateful for the sessions taken and the usefulness of it for their life and ministry.
A Catechetical workshop was organized on December 1, 2024, at the Archbishops’ House Kolkata for the Catechism teachers of Howrah & Hooghly Deanery. This deanery consists of ten parishes, two of which are cared for by the Salesians of Don Bosco. The participants at the workshop were from the Church of Our Lady of Happy Voyage Howrah, St. Joseph the Worker Church Santragachi, and Catholic Church Premnagar. Fr. Kumudo Kuriakose Digal from Nitika Don Bosco was the resource person, and he talked about Jubilee Indulgence, explaining its meaning, brief history, and benefits for the faithful. The participants were happy to learn about the possibility of gaining both plenary and partial indulgences for the remission of their temporal punishment. After the workshop, the participants were encouraged to spend some time in silence to approach the sacrament of confession as a preparation for the feast of the Nativity of our Lord.
From November 18th to 22nd, 2024, a five-day Catechetical course was held for the Pre-Novices at Savio Bhavan Azimganj. The course was designed to introduce the Pre-Novices to the official Catechisms of the Church, as well as church documents on Liturgy, ecology, and Marian dogmas.
The resource person, Fr. Kumudo Digal SDB, introduced the Pre-Novices to the history of different catechisms and provided a brief timeline of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He explained its structure and purpose and went on to introduce the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the DOCAT.
Fr. Digal also explained the importance of liturgy, including the liturgical seasons, the dos and don'ts of Sunday Liturgy, and the Divine Office. In addition, he introduced the four Marian Dogmas of the church to help the Pre-Novices understand the Catholic understanding of Mary as the Mother of God, her virginity, immaculate conception, and assumption.
At the end of the course, the Pre-Novices felt that it was a very enriching experience and found it useful for their growth in knowledge of faith and liturgy.
Around 270 children and teachers including sisters and priests from Bandel, Liluah, and Kalyani came together at Bandel Church on 27th October 2024, to celebrate inter-parish Catechetical Day - a joyful event filled with faith-based activities and competitions. Hosted by Bandel Parish, the event began in the Parish Hall, where attendees were welcomed warmly at registration and served breakfast, supported by dedicated volunteers, setting a positive and inclusive tone for the day.
By 10 a.m., catechetical sessions were in full swing. Under the guidance of Father Kumudo Kuriakose Digal, Director of Catechetical Ministry, children engaged in interactive discussions on the Holy Eucharist. The session then transitioned into a moment of spiritual reflection with Praise and Adoration, and many participants received the Sacrament of Reconciliation, deepening their connection to their faith.
At noon, all gathered for a solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the historic Bandel Basilica. Led by the main celebrant, Father Chandan Banerjee, with heartfelt readings from each parish, the sacrament of communion became the true heart of Catechetical Day.
A community lunch followed in Fatima Hall, where parish representatives ensured everyone was well served. It was a wonderful time for fellowship, as attendees bonded over a shared meal, strengthening community ties.
In the afternoon, cultural events took the spotlight, showcasing the talent of each parish. From an uplifting welcome dance by Bandel’s Sunday school teachers to spirited choirs, skits, and prayer dances, the performances brought biblical stories to life and embodied a vibrant display of community spirit.
The day continued with a Bible Quiz, sparking excitement and testing biblical knowledge, followed by a projector show featuring highlights from each parish. In a show of commitment and enthusiasm, Kalyani emerged as the standout participant in the catechetical events. The event also honoured Catechism teachers who have dedicated over a decade to nurturing children’s faith and education - a heartfelt tribute to their service.
The day concluded with a vote of thanks from Fr. Kumudo, followed by a final tea gathering, marking the end of Catechetical Day 2024 with cherished memories and a strengthened education to faith.
On October 17th, 2024, a workshop was held for the sisters belonging to the congregation of St. Anne’s of Chennai. This course was designed to aid participants in becoming more effective in their pastoral ministry. The workshop was divided into three sections. Initially, the participants received logistical information pertaining to family visits, visits to the sick, and how to prepare individuals for liturgical celebrations in villages. The subsequent part of the workshop was centred around preparing children for their First Holy Communion as well as providing a brief explanation of the Mass. Lastly, the workshop covered the use of social media in catechesis with a focus on a few do’s and don’ts. Father Kumudo Kuriakose Digal, the Catechetical Director of Nitika, was the resource person of the day. The workshop had 32 participants who expressed satisfaction with the sessions and provided positive feedback regarding how it would benefit them in their parishes and other settings of their ministry.
The Mission Seminar was organized jointly by the Mission, Higher Education, and Education to Faith commissions in preparation for the centenary celebrations of the Salesian Province of Kolkata in May 2026. This National Seminar, titled "Mission, Evangelization, & Faith Formation: Rejuvenating the Mission - 100 years of Salesians in Kolkata," was held from October 9-12 at Salesian College (Autonomous), Sonada. There were around 120 participants, including resource persons and other dignitaries.
Renowned experts in theology, scripture, mission, education, evangelization, and catechesis presented their papers on various topics, such as the biblical basis for mission and evangelization, digital media in catechesis, the beginning of Salesian Mission in Calcutta Province, lived faith as a paradigm for new evangelization, the impact of Christian education in India, new frontiers in evangelization and faith formation, socio-developmental involvement as part of evangelization, what is Indian about the Indian Church, and how difficulties bring redemption.
During breakout sessions the veteran missionaries including the members of the Salesian family shared their experiences of working in the missions. On the last day these missionaries were given mementos in recognition and appreciation of their dedicated work in the missions for many years. The main aim of this seminar was to inspire young Salesians for missions and to rejuvenate the mission activity of the Province.
A full-day Catechetical Training Programme was held at Nitika Don Bosco in Kolkata for the catechists of Don Bosco HRD Mission Dhobasole. Fr. David Mondal and Fr. Kumudo Kuriakose Digal were the resource persons for the day. They covered topics such as the Sacraments, the Commandments, prayer, and Lectio Divina.
A Workshop for the catechism teachers and animators involved in the preparation of First Holy Communion Children was organised on 20th July 2024 at Nitika Don Bosco, Kolkata. The course was designed to help the participants to get to know the logistics of planning, preparation and content of the course. The workshop was divided into three parts. The first part covered the logistics as to how and when the planning and preparations should happen. The second part was focused on sacraments in general and later focussing on Eucharist and confession. The final part was on meaning and significance of prayer and teaching children to pray. Fr. Kumudo Kuriakose Digal, the Catechetical Director of Nitika was the resource person for the workshop. Although 24 participants registered for the workshop, a few were unable to attend. Overall, participants were satisfied with the sessions but felt that the allotted time was insufficient.