Jubilarians of Silchar Province felicitated in Shillong By Bivan MukhimShillong, Oct. 26. 25th October was a festive day for the Salesians of Silchar Province as they gathered around their jubilarians to felicitate them on reaching significant milestones in their lives. The felicitation programme was held at Don Bosco Technical School, Shillong, with a Holy Mass followed by cultural programs.
The jubilee celebration began with the Holy Mass at Don Bosco Technical School Chapel. Fr. Sebastian Karotemprel who was celebrating a double jubilee, 60 of Religious Profession and 50 of priestly ordination, was the main celebrant at the Eucharistic table, assisted by a good number of confreres. The members of the Salesian Family and the Past Pupils were also present on this grand occasion. The octogenarian confrere Fr. Sylvanus Sngi Lyngdoh in his sermon gave a brief sketch of the Salesian mission in North East India and of the miraculous fruits of the hard work of the pioneering Salesians. He highly esteemed the apostolate of the sons of Don Bosco and said that he is proud to be a Salesian himself. 'If I were to be born a hundred times, I would choose to be a Salesian a hundred times,' added Fr. Sngi.
A short felicitation programme followed the Holy Mass. Rev Fr George Maliekal, the Provincial, thanked the jubilarians for the hard work and dedication in their ministries. He commented that their dedication would never go unnoticed. He said that a jubilee like this is a great opportunity to show love and appreciation for the marvelous work they have done.
Fr. Mukt Tirkey spoke on behalf of the silver jubilarians. He reminded of the days he and his companions started their aspirantate and Salesian life. He expressed his gratitude on behalf of the other silver jubilarians (Fr. Glorious Syiemlieh, Fr. Blasius Kujur, Fr. Jeeven Lakra) to the past superiors, fondly remembering them. Fr. U V Jose, who celebrated the silver jubilee of his priestly ordination, expressed his gratitude to God and to the province for the brotherly support. 'The jubilee reminded me of God's fidelity to me,' he said in his speech during the programme. He pointed out that the silver, the diamond and the gold brought by the jubilarians make a perfect blend of the beauty of the province. Fr. Sebastian Karotemprel too expressed his gratitude to everyone present and sincerely thanked them for their love and concern.
The Salesian communities of Shillong performed various items to felicitate the jubilarians during the cultural program me that followed the Holy Mass. The communities of Savio Juniorate, Sunnyside, STC, Sacred Heart Theological College and Don Bosco Technical School enthralled the audience with mesmerizing songs and dances. Fr. Stephen Babu, the Vice Principal of St. Anthony's Higher Secondary School, Shillong proposed the vote of thanks.