Shillong, 23rd September 2024: The Salesian Cooperators of Shillong Province convened for their 46th Annual Congress at Auxilium Nongthymmai from September 21 to 22, 2024. The theme for this year’s gathering, “Make the Dream a Reality,” was inspired by the Strenna 2024: “The Dream that Makes You Dream, A Heart that Transforms ‘Wolves’ into ‘Lambs.’” The inaugural session was moderated by the association's secretary, Mr. Sympain Chyne. The event commenced with a procession featuring the Word of God, the Project of Apostolic Life (PAL), and the flags representing all 22 centers and 2 aspiring centers of the Salesian Shillong Province. Attendees invoked divine presence through a lamp-lighting ceremony and readings from Scripture and the PAL. In her address, Sr. Rosa Pyngrope, FMA Provincial of Shillong Province, highlighted the significance of collaboration and a commitment to serving society in the Salesian spirit, urging participants to keep Don Bosco’s dream alive in contemporary contexts. Fr. Jeevan Lakra, Vice Provincial of the Salesian Province of Shillong, encouraged unity among members of the Salesian family in pursuing common goals. A warm welcome was extended to all through a dance presentation, depicting the encounter between the Samaritan woman and Jesus. The congress featured several highlights, including report presentations, group discussions, thematic presentations, and sessions centered on Salesian lifestyle topics. The final day began with Morning Prayer, followed by Session 2, led by Fr. Joseph Anikuzhikatil SDB, the Provincial Delegate, focusing on the Handbook. Mr. Markus Maiong, Provincial Councilor, moderated the session. This was followed by a Holy Eucharistic celebration at 10:00 a.m., presided over by Fr. John Zosiama SDB, Provincial of Shillong Province, along with four concelebrants. During the Mass, Salesian Cooperators renewed their promises to the Lord. A felicitation program honored distinguished guests, including Fr. John Zosiama SDB, Sr. Rosa Pyngrope FMA, Mr. Charles Pyngrope, MLA of Nongthymmai, Miss Rosetta Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District, and Mr. Cyril Diengdoh, IAS, Secretary of the Law & Parliamentary Affairs Department, among others. In the afternoon, an Open Session for all centers facilitated group discussions and decision-making for the next year’s congress, moderated by Mr. Nicholas Shangpliang. Following this, Sr. Christina Kharkongor FMA, the Provincial Delegate, performed the lowering of the flag, and the Provincial Secretary delivered a vote of thanks. The venue for the 47th Annual Provincial Congress was announced to be Nongstoin Centre, with the Provincial Coordinator handing over the flag to the Local Coordinator of Nongstoin Centre. The program concluded with the hymn to Don Bosco.