ANNUAL MISSIONARY FORMATION COURSE COMMENCES IN SHILLONG

Posted by INS CORRESPONDENT

20th August 2025, Shillong: The Annual Missionary Formation Course for the Salesian Family of South Asia was officially inaugurated on 20 August 2025 at the Mathias Institute, Provincial House, Shillong. The program began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration led by Fr. John Zosiama, Provincial of INS, along with his provincial team. This year’s course welcomes 35 participants, including 21 Salesians of Don Bosco (SDBs) from various Indian provinces and 14 sisters from the FMA and MSMHC congregations. Over the course of a month, the participants will engage in missionary reflection and formation. The opening ceremony featured the traditional presentation of tribal mufflers and a symbolic missionary bag, reflecting both the region’s cultural richness and the shared missionary vocation of those gathered.

    In his inaugural address, Fr. Zosiama drew attention to the directives of General Chapter 29, particularly the emphasis on deepening missionary formation at all levels. Veteran missionary Fr. Jose Chemparathy SDB shared powerful testimonies from his pioneering mission in Arunachal Pradesh, recalling early hardships and the inspiring growth of the Church in the region. He underlined the importance of core missionary attitudes, especially the ability to foster meaningful relationships for the holistic development of society.

    The month-long formation program is being coordinated by Fr. Sunny Palamthattel, Regional Delegate for Missionary Animation, South Asia, who will accompany and guide the participants throughout the course.

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    DON BOSCO PROVINCIAL HOUSE