Shillong, September 8: Fr. Rafael Bejarano SDB, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, Rome, arrived Shillong Airport at 12:30pm on 8th September 2026 for his maiden visit to the Salesian Province of Shillong. After a short visit to Siloam, Umsawkhwan, he reached Don Bosco Provincial House at 3:15pm. Fr. Rafael was warmly welcomed by fathers, brothers and staff of Don Bosco Provincial House, Mawlai.
At 5:30pm he animated the members of Youth Ministry Commission (the four dimensions: Social Experience, Education & Culture, Education to Faith, and Vocation & Career Guidance) and Young at Risk (YaR) Commission. There were about 25 Salesian priests and brothers. Before starting the Session, there was evening prayer which was followed by a welcome speech by Fr. Genesius Wanniang, the Economer.
During his animation, Fr. Rafael dealt on the Oratory Criterion in which he stressed on youth ministry as a Synodal Process, our identity as Salesians and the way we carry out our youth ministry. He also spoke at length on how the mission of the community is carried out through the Educative Pastoral Community (EPC) where members of the laity are also part of the EPC Council. The EPC will plan out on how to carry out youth ministry through the Educational Pastoral Project (EPP). Fr. Rafael gave a brief instruction on the Framework of Reference which is the manual for youth ministry.
After the animation, the confreres proceeded to the refectory where Fr. Rafael also joined the supper together with the participants of the Missionary Animation Course. The Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) were filled with gratitude for the gift of Fr. Rafael who had such clear thoughts.
Reported by Fr. George Shinng Lyngkhoi
