Vellore (India). On January 24 and 25 2026, two significant events for the St. Thomas the Apostle (INM) Province took place at Auxilium College in Gandhi Nagar, Vellore, strengthening communion and renewing missionary commitment.
The Province Community Day, celebrated on 24 January 2025, unfolded as a magnificent family gathering marked by joy, gratitude, and fraternal warmth. Inspired by the life and spirituality of St. Maria Troncatti and centred on the theme “Centred in God’s Love, Build Peace, and Radiate Joy,” the celebration brought together the Provincial, Councillors, Superiors, Team Members, Sisters, students, teachers, members of the Salesian Family, and the wider educating community.
The day began with Morning Prayer, followed by a heartfelt felicitation of the Provincial through creatively prepared spiritual bouquets. The cultural programme, enriched with a Guard of Honour, prayer service, thematic presentation, and vibrant performances, reflected the unity and dynamism of the Province.
The solemn Eucharistic Celebration at noon formed the spiritual summit of the day. The Holy Mass was presided over by Msgr. Muthusamy John Nicholas, Vicar General of the Diocese of Vellore, emphasised living a vibrant faith capable of responding to contemporary challenges with the zeal of our Founder, Don Bosco and Foundress St Maria Domenica Mazzarello. The liturgy, thoughtfully animated with meaningful symbols, dances, and intercessions, echoed the spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving. In her address, Rev. Sr Devadoss Margaret, Provincial, expressed appreciation for the loving support of the Sisters and acknowledged the dedicated service of the Vice Provincial, Councillors, Team Members, Superiors, and Sisters and the educating communities.
The afternoon session, animated with games and joyful interactions, strengthened bonds of communion, and the celebration concluded with prize distribution for the creative presentation of the Gospel of Mathew and a fellowship meal, leaving all renewed in enthusiasm for the mission.
In the same spirit of reflection and forward planning, the Superiors and Team Members’ Meeting was held from 24 evening to 25 January 2026 at Auxilium College. The two-day gathering began with the Holy Rosary and prayerful invocation, setting a serene tone for discernment and dialogue. Important communications were shared by the Provincial, Provincial Secretary, Provincial Economer, and Vice Provincial, offering clarity and direction for the Province.
A strong emphasis was placed on vocation promotion, with each community encouraged to take personal responsibility in fostering and accompanying vocationable girls to the Aspirantate. The day concluded with Evening Prayer and a meaningful “Good Night” message by the Provincial.
The second day focused on leadership and apostolic planning. In her inaugural address on “The Role of Leadership in Community Building,” the Provincial highlighted the importance of spirituality as the foundation of effective leadership, fostering a culture where each member feels valued, loved, and supported. The Sisters worked in groups to prepare the Apostolic Plan for 2026–2027, integrating the Peace Message, Strenna 2026, the UNO theme, and insights from the Educating Community Zonal Meetings.
After collaborative discussions and refinement of key performance indicators and sector-specific plans, the action proposals were finalised. The meeting concluded with gratitude, Evening Prayer, and the Provincial’s blessing, along with small tokens of appreciation – marking both events as grace-filled milestones in the ongoing journey of communion, leadership, and mission in the Province.
