Shillong 14th September: St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, was privileged to welcome Rev. Fr. Raphael Bejarano SDB, General Councillor for Youth Ministry of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Rome, to the College on 9 September 2026. The visit provided a meaningful opportunity for the young students at the College hostels to interact with Fr Raphael.
Fr. Bejarano celebrated the Holy Eucharist at the College, bringing together the community in prayer and thanksgiving. His presence and highlighted the Salesian commitment to accompanying young people and helping them grow in faith, responsibility and hope.
A special interaction was subsequently organised for the boys and girls of the College hostels. Fr. Bejarano gave a brief presentation introducing the Salesian Congregation and its worldwide mission among young people, with particular emphasis on Salesian Youth Ministry. He explained how the Salesians, inspired by St. John Bosco, seek to accompany young people through education, evangelisation and pastoral care, helping them develop as responsible persons and contributors to society.
The presentation was followed by a lively and engaging interactive session. The students raised questions and concerns which Fr. Bejarano responded with openness and clarity, drawing from his experience of working with and accompanying young people in different cultural contexts around the world.
The interaction provided the students with a broader understanding of the global mission of the Salesians and their special commitment to youth. It was also an opportunity for the young people to personally encounter and dialogue with a Salesian leader whose ministry involves guiding and coordinating youth ministry across the worldwide Salesian Congregation.
St. Anthony’s being the first University college of the Salesians world-wide, the visit of Fr. Raphael Bejarano SDB was a memorable occasion for the College and particularly for the students. It reaffirmed St. Anthony’s College’s Salesian identity and its commitment to the holistic formation and accompaniment of young people, in keeping with the educational vision of St. John Bosco.
Reported by Fr. Joby Joseph sdb PhD
