Hungarian provincial Fr Simon Manjooran (ex- Hyderabad province) addressing UPS gathering.
ROME, (C. M. Paul) – Forty two Salesians from India living at the Salesian University Rome (UPS) gathered for their annual pre-Easter get together, 13 April. This time it was a special ocassion as they had the presence of visiting provincial of Hungarian province from Budapest. Fr Simon Manjooran is the first Indian provincial of Hungarian Salesian province. Visiting the Generalate in Pisana, Rome, Fr Simon joined Fr Mathew Kaplikunnel of Historical Institute of the Congregation at the Pisana, for the UPS dinner. Formerly a member of the Hyderabad province, Fr Simon who is currently a missionary and leader of 39 confreres, in the post Communist era Hungary. While speaking at the gathering, he extended his hearty welcome to confreres who would volunteer to work in the Hungarian province or just visit.
The SAR UPS (South Asia Region) core committee group Frs. Anthuvan, Wyman and Seby organized the evening under the able chefs Manoj, Clement, Wyman and Phangcho along with a host of helpers who got the evening set.
Both staff and students of UPS hailing from India, mingled freely and exchanged camaraderie during celebrations which started at 7 pm.
A special guest at the event was Spanish born Rector of Don Bosco student community, Fr Eusebio Munoz.
Also visiting was Dean of Don Bosoc Aluva Philosophate, Fr Francis Vattukulam, who completed PhD in Philosophy, last year from UPS, bagging the coveted UPS gold medal.
Other dignitaries included superior of the UPS vice province Fr D’Souza along with Rectors of two communities Frs Thuruthiyil and Chunkapura.
The prolonged after dinner chit chat session spiked with jokes, anecdotes and songs had to be cut short as not to disturb senior Salesians trying to steal a wink in upstairs in the infirmary.
Last Wednesday (6 April) some 80 Indians studying at UPS gathered for the pre-Easter meet under the leadership of Fr Varghese Kaplikunnel who relinquished office after completing his one year term as president. Fr Tony Previnth took charge as UPS India president for 2011-2012 term.
NewsGrab 