Shillong, 27th January 2025: Deacon Santreki Muliar SDB, the first Salesian priest from Sutnga, was ordained a priest for the Congregation of Salesians of Don Bosco at Sutnga Parish, in the Jowai Diocese. The joyous occasion was celebrated with his family, including his parents, siblings, and relatives, who accompanied him as he received the sacred ordination. Most Rev. Ferdinand Dkhar, Bishop of Jowai, officiated at the ordination ceremony, held on 26th January 2025, with the presence of Rev. Fr. Jeevan Lakra SDB, Vice Provincial of the St. John Paul II, Shillong Province. Also present were a number of priests, sisters, religious leaders, and members of the faithful, as well as the families and well-wishers of Deacon Santreki. Over 65 priests concelebrated the Eucharist with the Bishop, marking the significance of the occasion. Deacon Santreki’s journey to the priesthood began at a young age when he entered the Salesian Aspirantate at Savio Juniorate, later continuing his formation at Bosco Mount, Tura. After completing his studies in Philosophy and Practical Training, he was sent to Sacred Heart Theological College to further his theological education. He was ordained a deacon on 1st July 2024 and, on 26th January 2025, he received the sacrament of Holy Orders as a priest. In his homily, Bishop Dkhar expressed heartfelt gratitude to the family and village of Deacon Santreki for offering their son to serve God and His Church through the priesthood. He exhorted the newly ordained priest to remain humble and build a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, particularly through the daily celebration of the Eucharist and a life dedicated to prayer. The Bishop also addressed the faithful, urging them to treasure the Word of God, which is a source of strength and spiritual nourishment. He reminded the deacons and priests of their sacred duty to proclaim the Word of God to the people, urging them not to be discouraged in the face of difficulties and challenges in their priestly ministry. As servants of Christ and pilgrims of hope, the Bishop encouraged them to place their trust in God, plant seeds of faith, and share His Word, for the impact it has on the hearts of the people can often be unseen but is deeply transformative. The Rite of Ordination itself is a solemn and sacred moment in the life of the Church. During the ceremony, Deacon Santreki made his vows of obedience, poverty and celibacy, laying prostrate on the altar as the community prayed for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. After the Bishop laid his hands on him, conferring the grace of ordination, Deacon Santreki was vested in the priestly stole and chasuble, signifying his new role as an ordained priest. The ceremony culminated with the newly ordained priest offering his first blessing to the congregation.