Bangalore: Rector Major Pascual Chavez from Rome was in the city on Tuesday to celebrate 100 years of the presence of Salesians of Don Bosco in India.

He inaugurated a training centre at Summannahalli on Monday and participated in the centenary celebrations at Kristu Jyoti College in K.R. Puram on Tuesday.

Salesians from all over the State participated in the celebrations. Over 300 youths took out a rally.

The celebrations began with a prayer seeking forgiveness. Fr. Chavez presided over the Concelebrated Eucharist. "I am very happy to be part of the centenary celebrations. I am grateful to the members of the Salesian family, who have come from different parts of the country, to participate in the celebrations," he said. Fr. Chavez said the Salesian family is celebrating not only 100 years of its presence in the country, but also love, freedom, understanding and faith.

He asked members of Salesians of Don Bosco to dedicate their lives for the betterment of the youth. "We should celebrate and contemplate on our goals," he said.

Fr. Chavez said all feelings and emotions, including redemption from mankind, flow from love. "Love is the most demanding of gifts. It demands itself back. It is the only thing that is powerful enough to break the vicious circle of life," he said.

The celebrations were followed by cultural programmes.

Thomas Anjukandam, Rector of Kristu Jyoti College, delivered the welcome speech.

Bartholemo, personal secretary to Fr. Chavez; Josequim D. Souza, regional head for South Asia; Jose Kuttianimattathil, Provincial of Bangalore province; and Joe Fernandez, Vice Provincial of Bangalore province, were present.

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