Nonglakhiat, 9th September 2026; On 9th September 2026, the community of Don Bosco Aspirantate, Nonglakhiat, hosted Fr. Raphael Bejarano SDB, the General Councillor for Youth Ministry, Rome. He arrived at Nonglakhiat at 11.00 a.m., accompanied by Fr. Patrick Lepcha SDB and Fr. Ritonbor Kharkongor SDB. The community welcomed them with a band piece and organised a short felicitation programme.
The programme began with a welcome song by the Aspirants, followed by a welcome message from Fr. Bernard Grace Pala SDB, the Rector of the community. He expressed the community’s deep joy at having Fr. Raphael as an honoured guest, especially to address the young Aspirants. After the welcome message by the Rector, the Aspirants presented a wonderful choir piece titled ‘Trai, da ka sur myllung’, which means ‘Lord, with this melodious voice.’
At the end of the felicitation programme, Fr. Raphael Bejarano SDB gave a powerful message on how we can live our lives meaningfully, based on three principles: discernment, accompaniment, and fidelity. These three things will determine our lives, our behaviour, and our relationships with God and with one another.
The Aspirants had a wonderful interaction and dialogue with the General Councillor. There was a lively question-and-answer session between both sides. The programme ended with the hymn to Don Bosco, followed by a final band piece performed by the band members.
At the conclusion of the programme, the community took a group photograph with the General Councillor. At 12.20 p.m., they had their meal, followed by a short recreation and a visit around the house. Fr. Raphael and his team left Nonglakhiat at 1.15 p.m., carrying with them the fond memories of the day.
Reported by Cl. Nathaniel Kharthangmaw SDB
