Shillong 23rd May 2026: In an atmosphere of prayer, thanksgiving, and deep Salesian joy, Savio Juniorate, Mawlai, witnessed a solemn and grace-filled celebration as thirteen young Salesians made their Perpetual Profession, dedicating themselves permanently to God in the spirit and charism of St. John Bosco.
The Eucharistic celebration, held on Saturday afternoon in the presence of confreres, members of the Salesian Family, parents, relatives, benefactors, and young aspirants, was presided over by Fr. John Zosiama SDB, Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Shillong Province, who officially received the perpetual vows of the candidates.
The newly perpetually professed included Kharkongor Aldo, Marbaniang Lumlang, Marbaniang Octapaul, Nongdhar Eliphas, Nongkhlaw Donboklang, Myrchiang Leo, Suchiang Mark Donal, and Jeronimus Susngi from the Salesians of Don Bosco – Shillong Province; Bhengra Dhiraj, Kamei Gaisinrei Elias, Ngiimei Namkoi Jacob, and Phimu Athili Romeo from the Salesians of Don Bosco – Dimapur Province; and Kerketta Birendra from the Salesians of Don Bosco – Kolkata Province.
Before God and the gathered assembly, the thirteen young Salesians solemnly professed the evangelical counsels of obedience, poverty, and chastity, offering themselves entirely to Christ and pledging lifelong fidelity to the Salesian mission of serving the young, especially the poor and abandoned.
The celebration carried special significance as it was observed in anticipation of the Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians, the beloved Mother and Guide of the Salesian Congregation. The liturgy reflected a profound spirit of Marian devotion, reminding all present of Mary’s central role in the vocation and mission of every Salesian.
The church was filled with an atmosphere of reverence and thanksgiving as the candidates, dressed in simple dignity, approached the altar to pronounce their final “Yes” to God. Their vows marked not merely the completion of a stage of formation but the beginning of a lifelong covenant of discipleship and service.
In his homily, Fr. John Zosiama reflected on the beauty and responsibility of the Salesian vocation, describing the generous response of these young men as a powerful sign that God continues to love the world and call labourers into His vineyard.
“Today,” he said, “we rejoice and thank God for the gift of these young Salesians who have heard and responded to His call. We gather not only to witness their profession but also to pray for them and thank God for the gift of Salesian vocation.”
The Provincial expressed gratitude to the parents, relatives, and friends who had accompanied the candidates throughout their vocational journey, recognising their sacrifices, encouragement, and prayers.
A particularly inspiring moment of the homily was Fr. Zosiama’s reflection on the flourishing of vocations within the congregation. Referring to the large number of professions taking place in recent weeks, he noted that the Church continues to witness the generosity of young people who courageously respond to God’s invitation.
“We are blessed with many vocations,” he said. “This is a sign that God still loves humanity and continues to call young people to collaborate in His mission of salvation.”
The Provincial reminded the congregation that vocation is never merely a personal choice or achievement. Rather, it is always a divine initiative rooted in God’s loving plan.
Drawing from the liturgical readings and the approaching feast of Mary Help of Christians, Fr. Zosiama highlighted the unique role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in salvation history.
Quoting St. Paul’s words, “In the fullness of time, God sent His Son, born of a woman,” he reflected on how God freely chose Mary to become the Mother of the Saviour.
“God could have chosen another way,” he explained, “yet He chose Mary. Through her faith and obedience, salvation entered the world.”
He further reflected on the vision from the Book of Revelation, where the woman clothed with the sun faces opposition from the dragon seeking to destroy her child. This biblical image, he said, reminds Christians that God’s saving plan often encounters resistance, yet ultimately triumphs through divine grace.
“Evil attempted to stop God’s plan,” Fr. Zosiama noted, “but God’s purpose cannot be defeated. Through Mary, the Saviour was born and fulfilled His mission.”
Connecting this biblical reflection with the vocation of the perpetually professed brothers, the Provincial reminded them that they too are specially chosen participants in God’s saving work.
“Today God continues to save humanity,” he said, “and therefore He continues to call priests and religious to continue Christ’s mission in the Church.”
For the Salesians, this mission takes concrete form in Don Bosco’s charism of being “signs and bearers of God’s love to the young.” The Provincial reminded the brothers that their profession is not an escape from the world but a commitment to serve within it, especially among the young who seek guidance, faith, and hope.
He emphasised that each vocation unfolds within God’s providential plan and encouraged the newly professed to trust that the Lord who called them would also sustain them.
“God has a special plan for each one of us,” he said. “These young men have continued to discern, to trust, and to say ‘Yes’ to Christ because they believe that God has called them to work for the salvation of the young in the spirit of Don Bosco.”
Fr. Zosiama paid tribute to families, acknowledging that vocations often take root in homes where faith, sacrifice, and prayer are nurtured.
Parents and relatives, he noted, are not merely observers of vocation but active collaborators in God’s work.
“Their witness, prayers, and encouragement have contributed greatly to the journey of these young men,” he said.
The Provincial also spoke candidly about the challenges inherent in religious life. Just as Mary encountered suffering and opposition in God’s plan, so too every vocation passes through trials and spiritual struggles.
Following Christ, he reminded the congregation, is not always easy.
Quoting the Scriptures, he warned that the Christian struggle is not merely against human difficulties but against the forces of evil that seek to weaken faith and commitment.
“Therefore,” he said, “we cannot depend only on ourselves. We need the grace and strength that come from God.”
The newly professed were encouraged to remain deeply rooted in prayer, the Eucharist, and devotion to Mary Help of Christians.
Fr. Zosiama drew inspiration from the life of St. John Bosco, recalling the saint’s famous dream at the age of nine, where Mary was entrusted to him as teacher and guide.
From that moment onward, Don Bosco experienced her maternal protection and constant presence.
“Because of this filial devotion,” the Provincial reflected, “Don Bosco was able to accomplish extraordinary things.”
He urged the young Salesians to cultivate the same spirit of trust and intimacy with Jesus and Mary.
“Without a deep relationship with Christ,” he cautioned, “one may gradually move away from the purpose for which one is called.”
Yet amid challenges, the message of hope remained central.
Quoting St. Paul’s words, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”, Fr. Zosiama reminded the congregation that God’s grace is always greater than obstacles.
Mary Help of Christians, he added, continues to accompany and intercede for her children, just as she did at the wedding feast of Cana.
“She is truly our Help, our guide, and our mother,” he said.
At the conclusion of the homily, the Provincial invited the congregation to pray earnestly for the newly Perpetually professed.
“May they persevere faithfully until the end and truly become signs and bearers of God’s love among the young wherever they may serve as Salesians.”
The liturgy reached its emotional climax as each candidate pronounced his perpetual vows before the Provincial and the gathered faithful. The solemn words of commitment, spoken with conviction and serenity, echoed through the chapel as the congregation joined in prayerful silence.
For many parents and family members, the moment was deeply moving—a culmination of years of prayer, sacrifice, and trust in God’s plan.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation programme was organised in honour of the newly professed brothers.
The festive gathering reflected the joyful spirit characteristic of the Salesian Family. A lively band performance added colour to the occasion, while aspirants and confreres presented congratulatory songs celebrating the brothers’ fidelity and generosity.
The traditional cake-cutting ceremony further heightened the joyful atmosphere, symbolising gratitude and fraternity. The celebration concluded with a fellowship tea, where guests, families, and confreres shared moments of joy, conversation, and thanksgiving.
The Perpetual Profession at Savio Juniorate thus became more than a liturgical event; it stood as a living testimony that God continues to call and that young people continue to respond with courage and faith.
In an age often marked by uncertainty and self-interest, the final “Yes” of these thirteen Salesians emerged as a powerful witness of hope—a reminder that the dream of Don Bosco remains alive and that the Church continues to be blessed with generous hearts ready to dedicate their lives to God and the service of the young.
Reported by INS Correspondent
