Salesian Province of Dimapur Celebrates Feast of St. Francis de Sales

Dimapur, January 24, 2025: The Salesian Province of Dimapur joyfully celebrates its patronal feast of St. Francis de Sales on January 24. He is also the patron of the Salesian Congregation founded by St. John Bosco.

St. Francis de Sales (1567–1622), a Bishop of Geneva, was renowned for his pastoral zeal, humility, and dedication to bringing souls to God. Despite the challenges of the Protestant Reformation, he spread the Catholic faith with kindness, writing spiritual classics such as Introduction to the Devout Life. His motto, “Live Jesus,” inspired St. John Bosco to adopt him as the model for the Salesian spirit of gentleness and love. The Salesians derive their name from St. Francis de Sales.

The Province of St. Francis de Sales, Dimapur, was inaugurated by Bishop Abraham Alangimattathil of Kohima, on 18th June 1982, on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Province of Dimapur had 25 presences and 152 confreres when it was canonically erected on 8th December 1982. The Province covers the northeastern states of Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Guided by the charism of St. John Bosco and the virtues of St. Francis de Sales, the province focuses on educating and uplifting young people, especially the poor and marginalised. Their works include schools, colleges, vocational training centres, and youth ministry, bringing hope and opportunities to thousands. This year, the province is blessed with nine new priests to serve the Lord in the mission areas of the province.

As the Salesians celebrate this feast, we renew our commitment to the mission of empowering the youth to become good Christians and honest citizens. Inspired by the example of St. Francis de Sales, we continue to embody his spirit of humility, kindness, and unwavering dedication to the service of others. The mission of Christ has yet to reach different parts of the northeastern states of India; may our father and founder continue to bless us and our work of evangelisation for the young people.

By Fr. Amalraj SDB