Shillong 28th May: 26 Novices arrived at Don Bosco Sunnyside in Shillong on 27th May 2023. They were accompanied by Fr. Payappilly Mathew and Br. Lyngdoh Wanpher. They were all welcomed by the Sunnyside Community: Fr. V.T Jose (The Novice Master), Fr. Nicholas Sun (The Socius), Fr. Pyndeilang (the Administrator), the Assistant and Br. Meshan Mawroh. On the following day, the 28th May 2023, accompanied by Fr. Minj Paul and Br. Kullu Lebanus another 6 Novices from Guwahati Province arrived at 10:30 am. Thus making a number of 32 Novices this year. On the 29th May they were initiated into the Novitiate Life. The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Provincial, Fr. Paul Olphindro Lyngkot. The Initiation Ceremony was an emotional and solemn one. At the start of the Mass, the Provincial congratulated the Novices and thanked God for the gift of the 32 Novices to the Congregation and in particular to the two Provinces. During the Homily, he congratulated them for their generosity and courage to follow the Lord in the footsteps of St. John Bosco. He clarified to them the purpose of being in Novitiate. He told them that they must feel the presence of God constantly every second and not every minute. He asked the Novices to be opened to the Master like an open book. He advised them to be opened and be guided by the Holy Spirit in the person of the Novice Master and that through his help to deepen and discern their Salesian Vocation.