New Salesian Representative at the U.N.
To further institutional activity to protect the neediest
(ANS – Rome – August 10, 2023) – After five years of dedicated and
attentive service as representative of the Salesians of Don Bosco to the United
Nations, Fr. Thomas Pallithanam recently handed over that duty to his Indian
confrere Fr. Mathew Thomas Panamkattu, who will replace him in this delicate
and relevant position. On the occasion of this natural succession, the general councilor
for youth ministry, Fr. Miguel Angel Garcia Morcuende, has published a letter
in the quarterly information bulletin of the Salesian representation at the U.N.,
in which he pays tribute to Fr. Pallithanam's service and takes the opportunity
to recall the nature and significance of the Salesian action in protecting the
weakest at international decision-making and institutional levels.
Fr. Garcia writes as follows:
Let me begin by quoting Fr. Timothy Ploch, SDB
[acting director of Salesian Missions in New Rochelle]: “Since October 2018, Fr.
Thomas has been an effective voice for those who have none at the highest
global level. He has been a worthy channel of speaking truth to power by his
strong advocacy for those groups usually left out of the global conversation:
the young, the poor, women, displaced refugees.” (1st Quarter 2023 Newsletter -
Salesians at the U.N.)
On behalf of the Rector Major and myself, I would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks for the excellent work he has done. He has demonstrated a high degree of skill, responsibility, and enthusiasm for the Salesian mission. I particularly wish to congratulate him for his valuable collaboration and loyalty to the Salesian Congregation.
Fr. Thomas Pallithanam has identified
essential elements of our advocacy work. Firstly, interaction (dialogue and/or
confrontation) with decision-makers. Secondly, he has advocated for just
relations, structural changes in society, and the improvement of the situation
of impoverished people, especially youth.
The Rector Major has appointed a Salesian to
succeed Fr. Thomas: Fr. Mathew Thomas Panamkattu from Bengaluru (Bangalore)
Province, India (INK). He has a wealth of experience and was the national YaR coordinator
for 6 years and did a commendable job.
Our Salesian advocacy respects the experiences
and perspectives of the people and groups most directly affected by injustice. Fr.
Mathew Thomas will advocate for the poorest, the most marginalized, making
their voices heard. Our option for the poorest young people leads us to judge
the justice of structures, policies, and institutions by their impact on the
reality of the most marginalized.
Our advocacy also values diversity and
promotes inclusion. Our advocacy is done in collaboration with others who share
our values, and by participating in networks and coalitions, we can advocate
better together. Our advocacy considers differences across cultures and
contexts rather than proposing one-size-fits-all approaches. Our advocacy
creates connections between various levels of organization from local to
international, and between different sectors or fields of action.
Our advocacy is based on communication, in a
spirit of openness with all people of goodwill. Our advocacy programs always
include evaluation to learn continuously how to serve better, without deviating
from the mission of Don Bosco that has been entrusted to us.
Thank you very much for your commitment and
availability, Fr. Thomas Pallithanam and Fr. Mathew Thomas!
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