Shillong, July 1, 2026: The Salesian Family of Shillong Province witnessed a significant moment in the life of Sacred Heart Theological College (SHTC), Mawlai, as Rev. Fr. Denis Lalfela, SDB, officially assumed office as the new Director (President) of the Salesian theologate from July 1, 2026. The appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter in the ongoing mission of forming future priests and religious for the Church, while also expressing gratitude for the dedicated leadership of Rev. Fr. C. M. Jose, SDB, who has completed six fruitful years as Director and now takes up his new assignment in the Diocese of Krishnagar.
The change of leadership is much more than an administrative transition. In the Salesian tradition, the Director of a community is regarded as the spiritual father and animator of the confreres entrusted to his care. When the community is a theologate, this responsibility becomes even more significant, for the Director is entrusted with accompanying young Salesians during one of the most important stages of their formation as they prepare for priestly ordination and lifelong service to the Church.
According to the Constitutions of the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Director is called to be “the father, teacher and guide” of the community. He fosters unity, nurtures fraternity, promotes fidelity to the Salesian charism, and creates an atmosphere where every confrere can grow in holiness, pastoral zeal, and love for the young. At a theologate, the Director works closely with the Rector, formators, professors, and the entire formation team to ensure that intellectual formation is harmoniously integrated with spiritual, human, pastoral, and Salesian formation.
The Church also places great importance on the formation of future priests. The Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis, the Church’s universal document on priestly formation, emphasizes that those entrusted with the formation of seminarians must be mature witnesses of faith who accompany candidates in discerning God’s will and preparing them to become shepherds after the heart of Christ. The Director therefore plays a vital role in creating a community where prayer, study, fraternity, pastoral charity, and missionary zeal are lived daily, enabling future priests to grow into joyful and credible ministers of the Gospel.
As Fr. Denis Lalfela begins this important ministry, he brings with him his experience as a Salesian educator, administrator, and spiritual guide. His appointment is a sign of the confidence placed in him by the Salesian Congregation to lead the theologate in fidelity to the vision of St. John Bosco, whose dream was to form priests and religious who are deeply rooted in Christ and passionately committed to the salvation of the young.
The Salesian Province of Shillong extends its heartfelt congratulations to Fr. Denis Lalfela, SDB, and assures him of its prayers and support as he begins his ministry as Director of Sacred Heart Theological College. May Mary Help of Christians, the Mother and Guide of the Salesian Family, and St. John Bosco, the father and teacher of youth, accompany him in forming future priests who will serve the Church with holiness, competence, missionary zeal, and the heart of the Good Shepherd.
May God abundantly bless both Fr. Denis Lalfela in his new responsibility and Fr. C. M. Jose in his new mission, as they continue to dedicate their lives to the service of God, the Church, and the young.
INS Correspondent