Shillong, July 13: The annual meeting of the various Commissions of the Salesian Province of St. John Paul II, Shillong (INS) was held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Shillong, bringing together the delegates and members of the Province’s commissions to review the past year’s activities and formulate strategic plans for the pastoral year 2026–2027.
The meeting commenced in a prayerful atmosphere with the singing of the Hymn to the Holy Spirit, followed by an invocation seeking God’s guidance and wisdom upon all the participants as they discerned the pastoral priorities of the Province.
Welcoming the participants, Rev. Fr. Jeevan Lakra, SDB, Vice Provincial, underlined the indispensable role of the Provincial Commissions in the life and mission of the Salesian Province. In his introductory address, he reminded the delegates that the commissions are not merely administrative bodies but instruments of animation and collaboration that assist the Provincial and his Council in carrying out the mission entrusted to the Province.
Drawing from the Salesian Constitutions and Regulations, Fr. Lakra explained that the Provincial, together with his Council, exercises his responsibility for the animation and governance of the Province with the collaboration of various organs of participation and consultation. He noted that the Provincial Commissions are established to study specific sectors of Salesian life and mission, promote reflection and pastoral initiatives, and offer recommendations that assist the Provincial and his Council in making informed decisions for the good of the Province. He emphasized that these commissions are valuable consultative bodies that foster collaboration, shared responsibility, and coordinated planning in the service of the Salesian mission.
Referring to the spirit of the Salesian Constitutions, he reminded the participants that every Salesian shares responsibility for the mission of the Congregation and is called to contribute actively according to his gifts and responsibilities. The commissions, therefore, play a vital role in helping the Province remain faithful to the charism of St. John Bosco while responding creatively and effectively to the changing needs of the young, especially those who are poor and most in need.
Following the inaugural session, the delegates dispersed into their respective commission meetings held in various rooms of the Provincial House. Each commission undertook a comprehensive evaluation of its activities during the past year, identified achievements and challenges, and prepared its programme of action for the coming year.
The commissions focused on setting concrete priorities, strengthening coordination among Salesian institutions, and proposing practical initiatives that will assist the Provincial and his Council in animating the Province during 2026–2027. Special attention was given to enhancing collaboration, improving pastoral effectiveness, and ensuring that every commission contributes meaningfully to the overall mission of evangelization, education, youth ministry, social development, formation, and administration entrusted to the Province.
After completing their deliberations, the delegates of the various commissions met the Provincial and his council, where each commission presented its report. The presentations highlighted the evaluation of the previous year’s activities, the challenges encountered, and the priorities and action plans proposed for the pastoral year 2026–2027. This reporting session provided an opportunity for dialogue, clarification, and valuable feedback from the Provincial and his Council, ensuring that the programmes of the various commissions remain aligned with the vision and pastoral priorities of the Province.
The annual Commissions’ Meet continues to serve as an important forum for consultation, evaluation, planning, and shared discernment. By bringing together delegates from different sectors of the Province, it strengthens unity of vision, promotes coordinated action, and renews the commitment of every commission to serve the Province with greater effectiveness and creativity.
The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and collaboration as the delegates reaffirmed their commitment to work closely with the Provincial and his Council in strengthening the educational, pastoral, social, missionary, and administrative initiatives of the Province. Guided by the Salesian charism and inspired by the example of St. John Bosco, the commissions pledged to continue accompanying young people with dedication, innovation, and hope, ensuring that the Province remains faithful to its mission of evangelizing and educating the young in today’s rapidly changing world.
