Dear Guanellian Family,
With hearts filled with gratitude for the Divine Providence, we stand at a sacred threshold in the history of our Province as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Guanellian Presence in India (first visit of Fr. Tito Credaro, SdC to India) A historical and grace-filled journey that began in faith, courage, and missionary zeal on July 3, 1986, the liturgical feast of St. Thomas the apostle of India. As we contemplate this significant milestone, we are invited not merely to remember dates and events, but to rediscover the loving hand of God guiding our Congregation through these forty blessed years.
1. Forty Years: A Biblical Time of Grace and Transformation
In Sacred Scripture, the number forty is never accidental. It is a sacred number that signifies preparation, purification, transformation, fidelity, and divine encounter.
Today, as the Guanellian family in India completes forty years, we recognize that our history too has been a sacred pilgrimage: a journey of faith, moments of struggle and hope, times of sowing and harvesting, sacrifices hidden in silence, and countless signs of Divine Providence. This historical year invites us not simply to celebrate achievements, but to renew our covenant with God and recommit ourselves to the charism entrusted to us by St. Louis Guanella.
2. The Dream of Don Guanella Reaches India
The Guanellian mission in India was born from the missionary heart of St. Louis Guanella himself. During his theological studies in Como between 1862 and 1866, Don Guanella was deeply inspired by the missionary movement of the P.I.M.E. Fathers who were preparing to leave for India, especially for Andhra Pradesh. Together with Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, he requested permission from Bishop Giuseppe Marzorati of Como to join the foreign missions in India. However, the Bishop replied to the young Luigi Guanella with the memorable words:Though he obediently accepted the decision, Don Guanella never abandoned his missionary longing. In a letter dated April 24, 1870, to Archbishop Calcaterra, he recalled his repeated requests for the foreign missions. Again, on October 1, 1881, writing to Archbishop Pietro Carsana, he mentioned how for more than ten years he had sought permission to leave for the missions. Even in a draft letter to the Holy See dated July 21, 1882, he expressed his sorrow that his desire to go to the missions had not been granted.
Divine Providence preserved this missionary dream to be fulfilled later through his spiritual sons. Exactly one hundred years after the opening of the first Guanellian house in Como on April 6, 1886, the doors of India were providentially opened to the Congregation.
A decisive role in this history was played by Rev. Fr. Domenico Saginario, SdC, Rector of the Guanellian Theological Seminary in Rome, between 1982 and 1984, where Fr. Stephen Fernando stayed at the Guanellian Major Seminary in Rome for his studies. During those years, friendship and missionary dialogue between the two priests gradually developed into the vision of a Guanellian mission in India.
After returning to Tamil Nadu as a professor at the inter-diocesan seminary in Karumathur, Madurai Fr. Stephen Fernando generously introduced the Guanellian charism to bishops, priests, seminarians, and young aspirants. He received valuable support from Fr. Lucas, a dynamic Claretian priest, and Fr. Vincent Ferrer from the Diocese of Kumbakonam. Through their encouragement, the first small group of candidates interested in the Guanellian vocation began to emerge.
Among them was Bro. Arokiasamy John Bosco, who became the first Indian member of the Guanellian family. With the permission of his superiors, he courageously joined the Congregation and travelled to Rome with Fr. Stephen Fernando on April 13, 1986. Although unfamiliar with the Italian language and culture, he embraced formation with commitment and generosity. Soon, other candidates followed him, including Bro. Gabriel Pingnol, Bro. Aloysius, Bro. Carmel, Bro. Thanasekar, Bro. John Joseph and Bro. Panneer Raja.
What began in 1986 as a small missionary seed has now grown into a flourishing Guanellian presence in India, bearing abundant fruits in formation, pastoral ministry, charity, education, missionary outreach, and vocations. The dream once hidden in the heart of Don Guanella has become a living history through the faith, sacrifice, and missionary zeal of many confreres guided by Divine Providence.
3. Gratitude and Honor
As we celebrate this Jubilee with grateful hearts, we remember with deep gratitude the dedicated service and sacrifices of Fr. Domenico Saginario, SdC, Fr. Piero, SdC, Fr. Nino, SdC, Fr. Umberto, SdC, our Superior General and his Council, and all former Provincials and their Councils, whose vision, guidance, and commitment have nurtured and strengthened the growth of the Guanellian presence in India.
We also pay tribute to Fr. John Bosco, the first Indian Guanellian priest, Fr. M. Thanasekar, all our confreres, the DSMP Sisters, the GC and GLM members, our benefactors, and all those whom we are privileged to serve. Through their faith, generosity, collaboration, and tireless dedication, our mission has flourished and borne abundant fruits. With profound gratitude, we commend them all to Divine Providence, praying that the Lord may abundantly bless them for their invaluable contribution to the spread of the Guanellian charism and the loving service of the poor and most vulnerable.
4. New Presence and Pastoral Mission at Katrenipadu Parish, Diocese of Vijayawada
With profound gratitude to Divine Providence, we joyfully announce the inauguration of our new pastoral mission at Katrenipadu Parish in the Diocese of Vijayawada, a significant milestone in the growth of the Servants of Charity and the expansion of our Guanellian presence in Andhra Pradesh.
5. Entrance into Postulancy
On July 3, 2026, as we joyfully celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the presence of the Servants of Charity in India, four of our brothers will begin their journey of Postulancy. This significant moment is a sign of God's continued providence and a source of hope for the future of our Congregation. As they take this important step in discerning and embracing the Guanellian vocation, let us accompany them with our prayers, encouragement, and fraternal support.
6. Arrival of Confreres for New Mission Assignments
We are pleased to inform you that Fr. Paul Francis, SdC has arrived in Italy to complete the necessary documentation procedures before beginning his ministry in the SLG European Delegation. We are also happy to share that Fr. Sachinson, SdC has safely arrived at our Chelsea Community in the USA. As both confreres begin their new missions in different cultural and ecclesial contexts, we entrust them to the loving Providence of God. May the Lord bless them abundantly, guide them in their ministries, and make their service fruitful for the good of the Church and the Congregation.
7. A Call to Renew the Fire of Charity
Dear Confreres, this Ruby Jubilee is both a call to remember the past with gratitude and a call to renew our commitment for the future with hope. I kindly invite you to celebrate the Holy Eucharist in your respective communities as an act of, thanksgiving, and to offer your prayers for the intentions of the Superior General and his Council, as well as for the Provincial Superior and his Council. May this Jubilee be a time of spiritual renewal, a moment of deeper fraternity, a rediscovery of our Guanellian identity, and a prophetic commitment to the future.
Let me conclude with the words of Don Guanella, who often reminded us:Read about these events and more in the latest issue of NEWS and VIEWS.
Fr. Gnanaraj, SdC
Provincial Superior
In all things, LOVE!
Making Charity the Heart of the World!
