ROME - Third day of the world congress saw a galaxy of eminent persons who threw their lot to promote Human Rights. Some of the eminent people who joined the congress included the Salesian Sisters (Mother General came with two of her general councilors) the popular Italian journalist and Egyptian born Salesian past pupil and former Muslim Mr Magdi Allam, the vice-chairman of the Vatican daily l`Osservatore Romano Mr Carlo diCicco, Senator Michaelena and industrialist Dr Ercole Lucchini as well as several other dignitaries from the City Hall.

The Regional Meeting of the Salesians working in the Diocese of Diphu was held from 29-30 December 2008 at Sojong, the oldest Salesian presence in the Diocese. Besides Sojong, Salesians work in Umswai, Amkachi and Haflong. Amsoi which falls in the Diocese of Guwahati, is clubbed together with the centers of Diphu Diocese on account of it proximity to the centers of Salesian presence in Diphu.

ROME -- The second day of the World Congress under way in Rome saw the first major contribution on Human Rights & Preventive System (HR&PS) in a situation analysis from about 300 participants divided into 10 groups. The South Asia region`s contribution included Fr S (Dr) Shaji Joseph chairing the day`s proceedings in the Aula Magna while Fr Godfrey D`Souza chaired group discussion in which the Regional Councilor Fr Maria Arokiam who air dashed from Salesian Brothers` National Congress at Chennai participated.

Day one of the Congress began with the inaugural Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop A.M. Chinnappa Malayappan SDB. Rev. Br. Joseph Das introduced the President of the celebration and Rev. Fr. Amalraj Soosai, the Provincial of Trichy gave a short introduction to the Eucharist inviting the participants to reflect with the mind of St. John Bosco, our father and founder, as it was the last day of the month.

The 6th Congress of the Salesian Brothers of South Asia started off in style on 30th December 2008 with Rev. Br. Claudio Marangio SDB, the Economer General who is on his maiden visit to South Asia. He green signalled a triumphant procession towards the SIGA auditorium with the Bosco Cubs, Scouts and Guides opening the procession. This moment also saw some 75 balloons released to herald the Platinum Jubilee wishes of the members of the Congress to the Provincial and the Confreres of Chennai.

The national workshop on FOSS began on the third day of the BOSCOM Assembly and the entire day was dedicated to training in FOSS (Free Open Source Software). Free as in Freedom, Free as in Free Speech, the day began with the Eucharistic celebration with the Arch Bishop of Madras-Mylapore, His Grace, Rt. Rev. A. M. Chinnappa Malayappan presiding.

As we are in the Platinum Jubilee of our Province, I thought it apt to go back in history in some form to recapture the high lights, the twists and turns that shaped our beloved province to what it is today. In order to do this, I requested the former provincials of our Province (those who are living) themselves to speak. I posed two questions to them. The response of the former Provincials is very enriching and it gives an overview of the different thrust they gave to the Province in keeping with the needs of the time, and the significant moments in carrying out their dreams. I thank our Provincials for their willingness to respond so promptly to my request and for all what they have been to us and the Province. I also thank the Vice-Provincials, Economers, and the Council Members who assisted them in all this.

``I am happy that you recall those generous Salesians with so much affection. Let me not beat around the bush! I will come to the point directly. What about sending a few of your good and generous Salesians as missionaries to other parts of India and abroad as part of this grand celebration?!`` says Don Bosco

Sufferings and trials have the effect of purifying our thoughts and actions. It is like fire that purifies and refines ordinary metal and makes it glowing. Suffering and trials, as our Provincial put it so aptly, can change our perspective, our way of looking at the world and all that happens around us and within us. They have the capacity to promote spiritual maturity. Problems can make us humble and we become capable of surrendering ourselves to the mercy of God.