The second phase of the Basic Training for Catechists (BTC) in Bengali was organized at Nitika Don Bosco, Kolkata from November 21st to 24th, 2023. This training program was intended for parish lay catechists. There were initially twenty-four members who had registered, but due to unforeseeable circumstances, six members were unable to attend. All the catechists who participated were from our own Salesian parishes in Diamond Harbour, Monsada, and Kalyani. The resource persons for this training program were Reverend Father Thomas Joseph SJ from Morning Star College, Father Pradeep Roy from Baroipur Diocese, Father Bijoy Ghosh SDB, our vocation promoter, and Father Kumudo Kuriakose Digal SDB. The participants were very pleased and grateful for the course and even expressed their eagerness for the next phase of training. The course was designed to cover the biblical, sacramental, liturgical, moral, pedagogical, and Marian dimensions of our faith. They also had a pilgrimage to Auxilium Parish, Kolkata. The training program concluded with the distribution of certificates issued by Nitika Catechetical Centre, Kolkata. Special thanks to all the parish priests who sent their catechists for the training. 

A Catechetical seminar, for the Catechism Teachers of Kolkata Deanery, was held at Archbishop’s House Kolkata on 5th November 2023. There were over 40 participants from different  parishes of Kolkata. It was a mixed group of lay  people and religious nuns involved in catechetical ministry. The resource person for the seminar was Rev. Fr. Kumudo Kuriakose Digal, SDB. The participants were introduced as to how they need to prepare their lessons for the catechism class. They were also introduced the recent document Laudate Deum of Pope Francis published on 4th October 2023. At the end of the sessions the participants expressed their joy of having the opportunity to learn and appreciated the resource person for beautifully disseminating the information on the given topic.  

The second phase of Basic Training for Catechists (BTC) in Santhali was organised at Nitika Don Bosco, Kolkata from 9-12 October 2023. This training was specifically designed for parish lay Catechists. There were altogether 46 participants from our own Salesian parishes of Azimpganj, Boropahari, Joypur, Gazole and Dhobasole. The resource persons for this training programme were Rev. Fr. David Mondal, Fr. Nanku Nicholas, Fr. Kumudo Digal and Fr. Philemon Hansda from Raiganj Diocese. Out of the 46 attendees, 33 successfully completed the second phase of training and were given certificates of participation. While the other 15 attendees succefully completed the first phase of their training programme. The participants expressed their gratitude and were pleased with the course's design, which focused on the Biblical, sacramental, liturgical, pedagogical, ecclesial, and Marian aspects of faith. We extend our special thanks to the parish priests who sent their Catechists for training. Overall, it was a fruitful experience for all the Catechists.

Loreto House Kolkata recently held a two-day workshop for Catechism teachers from various Loreto schools. The event featured Fr. Kumudo Kuriakose, the catechetical director of Nitika Don Bosco, as the main resource person. 32 participants from different Loreto schools across India attended the workshop, where they were educated on a variety of topics such as CCC, CCCC, YOUCAT, and DOCAT. In addition, they also received valuable insights on Methodology in catechesis as well as the Tasks and challenges within the field. The participants were highly satisfied with the sessions and expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

Catechesis on Holy Mass was given to the mothers’ sodality at Nirmal Hridaya Chapel, Motijhil. There were around 30 members present for the same. It was facilitated by the Missionaries of Charity sisters. It was edifying to see the zeal and enthusiasm shown by the mothers to know about the faith they profess. 

A two-day animation programme for the youth leaders and animators was held at Nitika Don Bosco Kolkata. There were about 85 youth from three Salesian Provinces of Kolkata, Delhi and Hyderabad. The group was animated through various session taken by different resource persons. 

Fr. Kumudo Kuriakose Digal,  the Catechetical Director of Nitika Don Bosco, Kolkata, introduced to the young leaders the  YOUCAT (Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church) and  DOCAT (Social Teaching of the Catholic Church). For many it was an eye opening experience as they came to know about  DOCAT for the first time. At the end of the session they were divided in Province groups  to take some action plans to bring about social change in their own parishes and localities. 

The training of Catechetical animators was organised by the Education to Faith Dimension of SPCSA at Nitika Don Bosco, Kolkata from 26-28 August 2023.  There were 38 participants from ten provinces of India. It was a mixed group of priests, sisters and lay people involved in catechetical ministry.  The topics dealt were on the introduction to CCC, CCCC, YOUCAT, DOCAT, Youth Catechesis, Gospel Magic Skills, Family Catechesis and Christian Parenting, faith responsibility of a Catholic teacher, how to prepare a Catechetical lesson Plan, Media and Catechesis, Goals, Tasks and Sources of Catechesis and so on. The participants were also given the opportunity to visit to the tomb of Mother Teresa of Kolkata. It was also a time to share the experiences and good practices with one another.  

A five-day Course on Marian Devotion was held at Shanti Dan, Kolkata for MC Sisters as part for their Spirituality Course from 31st July to 4th August 2023. There were 26 participants from   different regions of India and abroad. The Marian course consisted of Marian dogmas, Mary in the Church, Mary in the scripture, Role of Mary as New Eve and Queen Mother, Contribution of Popes in the spread of Marian devotion, Major apparitions and Marian shrines in India and abroad, True Devotion to Mary, History and mystery of the Rosary, Role of Mary in the life of Don Bosco and Mother Teresa, Study on apostolic exhortation of Pope Paul VI for the right ordering and development of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary ( Marialis Cultus),  Post Apostolic letter of Pope John Paul the Second on the most Holy Rosary (Rosarium Virginis Mariae) and the Different ways of praying the Rosary. 

The participants were very happy with the course offered to them. It was an enriching and enlightening moment for them. 

The phase one of Basic Training for Catechists (BTC) in Nepali was organised at Salesian College, Sonada from 24-28 April 2023. This training programme was for the parish lay Catechists. From the 48 registered members 41 turned up for the course. There were Catechists from our Salesian parishes of Malbasy, Mirik, Sonada, Kalimpong, Dhajea and Samthar as well as from the non-Salesian Parishes of Sikkim, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Bhutan.  The resource persons for this training programme were Rev. Fr. Pius Marcus, Fr. Edward Bareto, Fr. Frank SJ, Fr. Patrick Lepcha, Fr. Samuel Rai, and Fr. Kumudo Digal. The participants were very happy and were grateful for the course. The course was designed to touch on the Biblical, sacramental, liturgical, moral, pedagogical, ecclesial, and ecumenical dimensions of our faith. Special thanks to all the parish priests who sent their catechists for training. Thanks to Salesian College Studentate Community for facilitating the programme. The catechists have expressed their willingness to attend the follow up programme next year around same time. It was expressed that the training programme should conclude with breakfast so that those from far away would not miss the vehicle going to their village town.  Special thanks to Rev. Fr. Jijo John for the financial assistance. 

The animation of School Catechism/ Catholic Teachers of North Bengal Region was organised at Don Bosco Siliguri on 22 April 2023. There were 30 participants from Don Bosco Siliguri, Don Bosco Mirik, Don Bosco Katihar, Don Bosco Purnea, Don Bosco Oodlabari and Don Bosco Shrine Siliguri. It was a half day animation Programme organised by the Commission for Education to Faith in Collaboration with the coordinator for Education and Culture. Special thanks to Fr. V.C. Jose and Fr. Albert Kujur of DBS Community for facilitating this Programme. The main resource person for the animation was Fr. Kumudo Kuriakose Digal, SDB.  The other speakers were Fr. Nobi George and Fr. V.C. Jose. The participants were very happy and were grateful for the animation of this kind. Special thanks to all the school principals who sent their catechism/Catholic teachers for this animation programme.