Shillong, May 8, 2024: The 5th Provincial Chapter of the St. John Paul II, Shillong Province commenced today with a day filled with spiritual reflection and inaugural ceremonies. The day began with a profound one-day recollection, starting at 6:30 am with lauds animated by Fr. Bernard Pala SDB. The recollection featured talks, with the first delivered by Fr. Joy Kachapilly SDB, the animator of the event, followed by a detailed exploration of the chapter theme, "Passionate about Jesus Christ, dedicated to young people," by Fr. Joy at 9:00 am. The recollection culminated with the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Holy Eucharist at 3:00 pm, presided over by Fr. John Zosiama SDB, the Provincial, along with other priests. In the evening, the Inaugural Ceremony took place in the conference hall at 5:00 pm, commencing with a warm welcome and introduction by Fr. Denis Lalfela SDB, the chapter's moderator. The assembly invoked the Holy Spirit through hymns and prayer, led by Fr. John Zosiama. The lighting of the lamp followed, accompanied by the felicitation of esteemed guests including Fr. Richard Majaw, the VG of Shillong Archdiocese, and representatives from various congregations and associations. Messages of encouragement and appreciation were delivered by distinguished guests, including Fr. Ioannis War and Fr. Davis Aricatt, conveying best wishes from Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, the Moderator of the GC 29, and Fr. Biju Michael, the Regional Councilor for South Asia, respectively. Sr. Mabel Dhar VSDB, Sr. Elizabeth George FMA, Sr. Maria Goretti MSMHC, Mr. Valerian Pakma, Mr. Anthony Laloo, and Fr. Richard Majaw also expressed their support and admiration for the Salesians' commitment to youth welfare. Fr. Denis, in his closing remarks, extended gratitude to all guests and presented them with special souvenirs. Finally, at 6:00 pm, Fr. John Zosiama SDB officially declared the commencement of the 5th Provincial Chapter of Shillong Province, marking the beginning of deliberations aimed at furthering the mission of St. John Paul II and the Salesian community in service to young people. The Provincial Chapter which started on the 7th May 2024 will end on the 10th May 2024 with the election of the delegate for the 29th General Chapter to be held early next year at Rome.