KOLKATA: 27th May '04 --  With the World Assembly of Past Pupils of Don Bosco now over, and the February '05 8th Asia-Australia Congress fewer than 12 months away, Kolkata is ready, or so it would seem from the energetic pre-announcements of Rajesh Gupta, Indian National President of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco.

 

'Salesian Mission, a celebration of Holiness' is the theme of the forthcoming Assembly, taking up the oft-repeated central theme of the 2004 Strenna.  The venue is Kolkata (alt. spelling Kolkota, erstwhile Calcutta and still, of course, Capital of West Bengal) from 4th-6th February 2005, with a cost of USD 250 for all expenses other than accommodation.  Accommodation choices can range from costs as low as USD 50 for four nights to USD 250.  Choices include a dormitory in Salesian Institute, rooms in the same Institute, rooms in Guest Houses, hotels 2 through 5 star!

 

While it is, as announced, an 'Asia-Australia' Congress, Past Pupils from other parts of the world are welcome, a motion supported at the World Assembly.  The designation 'Asia-Australia' is partly a left-over from an earlier time when such a Salesian Region existed.  The Salesian Regions now divide this broad area into two: East Asia-Oceania and South Asia.  But the term Asia-Australia has been retained also to indicate that this is not an event confined to one region.  It now involves at least two and potentially others if they wish and are able to attend.