Father Vendrame’s Memorial Seminar

Shillong, 24th July 2024: On 23rd July, the Salesian Shillong Province held a Memorial Seminar in honor of Servant of God Father Constantine Vendrame, whom the Church is preparing to elevate to the Order of Venerable. The event took place at Sacred Heart Theological College, with Reverend Father Richard Majaw, Vicar General of the Shillong Archdiocese, serving as the Chief Guest. The seminar was attended by Reverend Father Genesius Wanniang, Provincial Economer, along with Fathers, Sisters, Novices, and Youth from Italy under the guidance of Reverend Father Lorenzo. The proceedings commenced with a hymn to the Holy Spirit, a reading from the Word of God, and cultural performances including songs and dances. Reverend Father Barnes Mawrie, Reverend Father Phillip Borjo, and Reverend Father Jose Anikuzhikattil illuminated the life and contributions of Servant of God Father Constantine Vendrame, renowned as the ‘Apostle of the Khasis’ for his missionary zeal among the Khasi people. The seminar sparked numerous questions and a deep desire among participants to learn more about Father Vendrame's profound devotion and love for the Eucharist and the Khasi community during his lifetime. He tirelessly spread the teachings of Jesus Christ in the villages of the Khasi Jaintia Hills. Father Lorenzo, who traveled from Italy to join the Memorial Seminar, shared insights from Father Vendrame's life, highlighting his exemplary devotion. The one-day event concluded with a heartfelt song dedicated to Father Vendrame, composed by Father Barnes Mawrie and performed by novices from Don Bosco, Sunny Side, Upper Shillong.