FR. JOHN ZOSIAMA SDB, PROVINCIAL OF SHILLONG PROVINCE VISITS BOSCO HOME HERMA, TRIPURA
12 November 2024, Tripura: Fr. John Zosiama, the Provincial of the Salesian Province of Shillong, made a Canonical Visitation to Bosco Home in Herma, Tripura, from 10th to 12th November 2024. This canonical visitation aimed to assess the spiritual, communal, and pastoral life of the Salesian community and ensure the proper formation of the young Salesians, particularly the pre-novices.
Fr. Zosiama arrived at Bosco Home on the evening of 10th November. His visit began with a solemn adoration, bringing the entire community together in prayer. This spiritual moment provided an opportunity for the Pre-Novices to reflect on their vocations. The adoration was also a chance for Fr. Provincial to set the tone for the following days, emphasizing the importance of prayer and community life in the Salesian charism.
On 11th November, Fr. Zosiama dedicated his time to meeting with the confreres, engaging in one-on-one discussions with each of them. These meetings were an opportunity for Fr. Provincial to understand the personal and communal life of the confreres, offering them spiritual guidance and counsel. The visitation was focused on assessing the well-being of the Salesians, both in their personal lives and in their commitment to the mission. Afterward, Fr. Zosiama met with the pre-novices individually. These personal interactions were aimed at supporting the pre-novices in their formation, addressing their concerns, and guiding them in their spiritual journey as they prepared for their future in the Salesian Congregation.
On 12th November, Fr. Zosiama spent time at Don Bosco School in Herma. He addressed the students, encouraging them to embrace the values of Don Bosco—faith, discipline, and love for the young. His message was one of motivation, urging the students to work hard in their studies and live lives of integrity and service. Fr. Provincial also met the teachers, thanking them for their dedication to the education and formation of the students. He reminded the teachers of their important role in shaping not only the academic but also the moral and spiritual lives of the young people in their care.
In the evening of 12th November, Fr. Zosiama concluded his visitation with a final meeting with the confreres. A special gathering was organized by the pre-novices as a gesture of gratitude and affection for Fr. Provincial. The program, which featured performances by the hostellers and pre-novices, was a vibrant expression of unity and creativity. After the cultural program, the community shared a meal together, deepening their bonds of fraternity. Fr. Zosiama then prepared to move on to his next community, leaving behind an atmosphere of spiritual renewal and strengthened commitment to the Salesian mission.