Fr. John Zosiama, Provincial of the Shillong Province, presided over the Holy Eucharist and received the vows of the twelve candidates, standing in for the Rector Major, the head of the Salesian congregation. The liturgical celebration was concelebrated by Fr. Jeevan Lakra, Vice Provincial, and Fr. Sunil Barla, Rector of Sacred Heart Theological College, along with council members, formators, priests, religious, family members, and friends who gathered to witness and support the momentous step in the lives of these young Salesians.
In his homily, Fr. Zosiama reflected on the significance of making a lifelong commitment in the Salesian vocation, particularly on the feast day of Mary Help of Christians. He emphasized that just as Mary was present throughout Jesus’s life—from the manger in Bethlehem to the miracle at Cana and at the foot of the Cross—she too is ever-present in the life and mission of every Salesian.
Drawing inspiration from the Gospel account of the wedding at Cana, Fr. Zosiama encouraged the newly professed to imitate Mary’s attentiveness to the needs of others. “Mary said, ‘They have no wine,’ and turned to Jesus. In the same way, we are called to see, to feel, and to respond to the needs of others—especially the young,” he said. “Your vocation is not for yourselves, but for the service of others, in the style of Don Bosco.”
He noted that the journey to this day had been one of faith, discernment, and perseverance. Over the past six to nine years, these young men had lived the Salesian life, experiencing both joys and challenges. Despite doubts and personal trials, they continued to say “yes” to God, believing in His call and in the Salesian mission.
The rite of perpetual profession took place after the homily. With the invocation of the Litany of the Saints, each candidate made his vows to live as a Salesian for life—embracing poverty, obedience, and chastity in service to God, the Church, and the young. The celebration continued with the Eucharist and concluded with felicitations and words of encouragement from the Salesian community.
Earlier in the morning, 26 novices also made their first religious profession, marking a joyful moment for the Salesians in Shillong Province. The event served as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of religious life and the generous response of young people to God's call.
As the Salesian congregation welcomed these twelve newly perpetually professed members, prayers were offered for their continued growth, fidelity, and fruitful service in the vineyard of the Lord.