SHILLONG, October 8, 2026: The Salesian Province of St. John Paul II, Shillong, celebrated the diamond, golden and silver jubilees of 14 Salesian priests and religious at a solemn Eucharistic celebration held at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Pynthorumkhrah, on Wednesday. The celebration was a moment of thanksgiving to God for the gift of vocation and a tribute to decades of faithful service to the Church, young people and society in the spirit of St. John Bosco.
Rooted in the Salesian charism of loving-kindness, pastoral presence and commitment to the young, the occasion honoured the jubilarians whose lives have been marked by dedication to the Gospel, the Salesian mission and the service of people, particularly the young and the less privileged.
Fr. John Kalapura and Fr. Isaac Mattappillil celebrated their Diamond Jubilee of Ordination, marking 60 years of priestly ministry. Fr. Roland Kharkrang and Fr. Edmund Gomes observed their Golden Jubilee of Ordination, completing 50 years of priestly service.
The Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession was celebrated by Fr. Devasia Vazhayil, Fr. George Palamattathil, Fr. Philip Barjo and Fr. Thomas Pampaddiyil, who marked 50 years of fidelity to their Salesian religious vocation.
The Silver Jubilee of Ordination was observed by Fr. Kenny Pakma, Fr. Stephen Kharbani and Fr. Sylvester Synrem, celebrating 25 years of priesthood. Fr. Dominic Ngul T T, Fr. Michael Makri and Fr. Remol Marak marked their Silver Jubilee of Religious Profession, commemorating 25 years of commitment to Salesian consecrated life.
Reflecting on his journey, Fr. Edmund Gomes expressed profound gratitude to God for the gift of his vocation and five decades of priestly ministry. He thanked his fellow priests, religious communities, friends, parishioners and well-wishers whose encouragement and support had accompanied him throughout the years.
He also recalled the people and experiences that had shaped his ministry, acknowledging the human limitations and pastoral challenges encountered along the way. His reflection highlighted the importance of perseverance, humility and trust in God in remaining faithful to one’s vocation.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation programme was organised to honour the jubilarians and celebrate their years of dedicated service. The programme brought together members of the Salesian family, parishioners, friends and well-wishers in an atmosphere of joy, gratitude and fraternal communion.
The programme opened with a welcome song by the Pynthorumkhrah Parish Choir, followed by the welcome address delivered by the Vice Provincial. The Sunnyside Choir then presented a musical item, after which a video presentation offered glimpses into the lives and journeys of the jubilarians.
A dance performance by the Don Bosco Juniorate, Savio, added to the festive spirit of the occasion. The jubilarians were subsequently felicitated, and the Provincial, Fr. John Zosiama SDB, conveyed his message of appreciation and encouragement.
The musical and cultural presentations continued with a song by the SHTC Brothers, followed by the conferring of the Rector Major’s Award and the release of a book, marking another significant moment in the programme. The Don Bosco Aspirantate, Nonglakhait, presented a dance, while one of the jubilarians shared a personal message. A dance performance by the STC Brothers followed, and the programme concluded with the hymn to Don Bosco, reaffirming the spirit and legacy of the Salesian founder.
The celebration was more than a recognition of years completed; it was an expression of gratitude for lives given in service. In the Salesian tradition, these jubilees served as a reminder that vocation is a lifelong journey of faith, fraternity and self-giving, sustained by God’s grace and renewed through daily commitment to the young.
As the Salesian family rejoiced with the jubilarians, their witness offered encouragement to younger confreres and those discerning their vocation, inviting them to follow Don Bosco’s example of serving God through the loving and generous service of the young.
INS Correspondent
