In a significant escalation of a long-running controversy surrounding the Salesians of Don Bosco in Tamil Nadu, the Indian representative of ECA Global, an international association of clergy-abuse activists and survivors spanning over 20 countries, has formally written to the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi seeking urgent Vatican intervention in what it describes as a grave moral and institutional scandal involving the Salesian Province of Chennai.
The letter, sent by R. Joseph D’ Kennedy, Indian Representative of ECA Global, urges the Holy See to take cognisance of an Open Letter issued by a donor family, including two priests, which levels serious allegations of forgery, fraud, cheating, blackmail, and prolonged breach of trust against Fr. Bosco, the Provincial of the Salesian Province of Chennai.
A “Sacred Gift” That Turned Into an 11-Year Ordeal
According to the complaint highlighted in the letter, the family had made a conditional land donation in 2013 for the express purpose of advancing education for poor rural youth in the spirit of Don Bosco. However, the family alleges that what was meant to be a lasting charitable legacy instead became the source of over eleven years of suffering, humiliation, and unresolved injustice.
Central to the dispute is a registered document, which the family claims was never shown to them, and which is now allegedly being used to negate the original charitable intent of the donation. This, they argue, is in direct contradiction to assurances and a pledge reportedly conveyed through the Archbishop in October 2022, which promised restitution or resolution.
Silence, Leadership Failure, and Growing Public Disquiet
Mr. Joseph Kennedy’s letter draws attention not only to the substance of the allegations, but also to what it describes as the deafening silence of the Provincial leadership. Among the faithful, Don Bosco past pupils, and observers of the Church in Tamil Nadu, this silence is increasingly being viewed as a failure of moral leadership, especially at a time when the Church is under intense scrutiny for abuse of power and lack of accountability.
The letter warns that continued inaction risks further erosion of trust in Church governance and deepening scandal among ordinary Catholics.
Bishopric Aspirations Add Fuel to the Fire
The controversy takes on added gravity due to public reports and widespread perception that Fr. Bosco harbours ambitions to be appointed the next Bishop of Dharmapuri, reportedly drawing inspiration from the fact that the first Bishop of Dharmapuri was himself a Salesian.
While the letter concedes that aspirations for higher office are not improper per se, it strongly cautions that any consideration of episcopal elevation amid unresolved allegations of forgery, fraud, and injustice would send a deeply disturbing message—that advancement within the Church can supersede accountability.
ECA Global has explicitly urged the Nunciature to ensure that no consideration of ecclesiastical advancement is given until these grave allegations are examined and resolved in truth and justice.
Political Proximity and the DMK Question
The letter also flags growing public concern about the appearance of political proximity and protection surrounding certain Church authorities in Tamil Nadu. It cites media reports and public discourse suggesting that perceived political shielding—particularly in the context of the DMK’s minority-protection narrative—has fostered the belief that powerful clerics may be insulated from scrutiny.
Such perceptions, the letter warns, are corrosive to ecclesial credibility and reinforce the impression of a Church hierarchy unwilling or unable to police itself.
Parents Died Waiting for Justice
Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the case is the family’s testimony that their parents passed away without ever seeing the fruits of their charitable act. The surviving members, now elderly, continue to appeal not for confrontation, but for justice, restitution, and fidelity to the founding spirit of Don Bosco—before it is too late.
What ECA Has Asked the Vatican to Do
In its appeal, ECA has requested the Apostolic Nuncio to:
– Convey the matter to the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco and his Council, as well as to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life;
– Urge the Salesian Province of Chennai to honour the 2022 assurances and restore the original charitable purpose of the donation;
– Ensure that no ecclesiastical advancement is considered until the allegations are fully examined and resolved.
The letter concludes with a stark warning: silence in the face of alleged wrongdoing only deepens scandal. For many Catholics in Tamil Nadu, the unfolding Don Bosco controversy is no longer just about a land dispute—it has become a test of whether the Church is willing to uphold truth, justice, and moral courage within its own ranks.
As of now, there has been no public response from the Salesian Province of Chennai to the allegations raised in the Open Letter.
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