“This is the day, the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Ps118:24)

05^th March, 2016 marked another step forward in the history of Social & Innovative Ministries in South-East India Province, as on the same day, foundation-stone was laid for the De-addiction Counselling Centre at Sogathur, Dharmapuri, Tamilnadu, South India.

With the earnest interest and the tireless efforts of Rev. Fr. A. Dharmaraj, the then Superior and Parish Priest of Vaniyambadi, because of his love for the expansion of MSFS Presence in Tamilnadu and the wholehearted support and help of Rev. Fr. Mani Panthalani, the then Provincial of Vizag, in March 1995, 5.18 acres of land was purchased at Sogathur, Dharmapuri. We salute and express our deepest sentiments of gratitude to them. Thanks also to our Fathers in Vaniyambadi and Alangayam communities who were taking care of the land.

On Saturday, 05^th March, 2016, at Salesi Nagar, Sogathur, there was a festive atmosphere. At 11.15 a.m., Fr. C. Sebastinraj welcomed Rev. Fr. A. Dharmaraj, the finder cum founder of the place, and the Provincial of South-East India Province with profound gratitude and love recalling the past history of the place. Fr. C. Sebastinraj also extended a cordial welcome to each of our confreres who had come over there taking time and trouble to grace the occasion.

The fathers who enriched the occasion with their prayerful presence were Fr. S. Deivasakayaraj, the PCIC of Formation, Fr. A. Edward, the PCIC of Mission, Fr. M. Nicholas, the Provincial Bursar, Fr. L. Basker, the Provincial Secretary, Fr. Joy Mampally, the Rector of Suvidya College, Frs. A. Maria Selvan and Lawrence from Suvidya, Fr. David, the Rector of Salem Seminary, Fr. S. Antony (Germany), Fr. A. Edmund, Fr. L. Arul Sundaram, Fr. A. Christu Raj, Fr. M. Victor, Fr. A. Michael,Fr. S. Amirthanathan, Fr. P. Anantha Raj, Fr. S. Simon Prabhu, Fr. D. Johnson, and Fr. B. Francis Xavier. Indeed, it was an inter-province participation on the occasion.

Fr. C. Sebastinraj thanked the Almighty for His benevolence and for the mission entrusted to Fr. Peter Mermier, our Founder, under the patronage of St. Francis De Sales, our Patron, to commence relevant and innovative ministries. It was pointed out that it was an Exodus Experience with regard to the ministry at Dharmapuri. It was also emphatically affirmed that this is the ministry of the Province; hence, every member is invited to be part of it so as to become an enabler and facilitator for the ministry of sobriety.

As the Word of God, praying Psalms and intercession marked the Divine presence of Almighty, Rev. Fr. A. Dharmaraj, the Provincial Superior blessed the building sight amidst the holy band of our confreres and laid the foundation stone by invoking God’s blessing. All the fathers present took turn to bless the foundation-stone with prayers and showering of flowers. Angelic hymns filled the air and the atmosphere was nourished with the heavenly showers of blessing and spiritual vibration. Thanks to each of you, dear fathers, for your prayers and blessing.

Fr. C. Sebastinraj