Shillong 14th September 2026: The Regional Youth Ministry Delegates and Network Heads Meeting 2026, scheduled from 13 to 17 September 2026, commenced with the celebration of Vespers, followed by the inaugural function at Siloam, Umsawkhwan, Meghalaya. The gathering brought together the Youth Ministry Delegates and Network Heads from the Eleven Salesian Provinces and one Vice Province of South Asia, along with members of the International Youth Ministry Team.
The inaugural function formally welcomed all the participants to the regional meeting. The Province of Shillong, as the host Province, extended a warm welcome and felicitated the delegates and participants. A special word of welcome was addressed to Rev. Fr. Rafael Bejarano, SDB, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, the members of the International Youth Ministry Team, and all the Youth Ministry Delegates and Network Heads who had gathered for this important regional meeting.
A special introduction to Siloam was given by Fr. L. B. Anthony, SDB, Assistant Director of Siloam. He briefly presented the significance of Siloam and its setting as a place conducive to prayer, reflection, formation and pastoral encounters. His introduction helped the participants to appreciate the environment in which the regional meeting was being held.
This was followed by the words of welcome from Fr. Patrick Lepcha, SDB, South Asia Regional Youth Director. He expressed his joy at having the Youth Ministry Delegates and Network Heads gathered together and encouraged them to make the meeting an opportunity for meaningful sharing, reflection, collaboration and renewal of the Salesian Youth Ministry mission in South Asia.
The General Councillor for Youth Ministry, Fr. Rafael Bejarano, SDB, then delivered his welcoming address. He emphasised the importance of recognising the unique roles and responsibilities that each person plays in Youth Ministry. He encouraged the participants to value the contribution of each individual and to work with mutual respect and understanding. He also stressed the importance of respecting the process chosen by each Province, recognising the different contexts, experiences and approaches within the Salesian presence.
Fr. Rafael further invited the participants to build bridges together, promoting greater collaboration, communion and understanding among the Provinces, Delegates and Network Heads. His message provided an important orientation for the meeting and encouraged everyone to move beyond individual roles and perspectives towards a shared vision and common mission in Youth Ministry.
The inaugural function concluded with the Good Night message by Fr. Jeevan K. Lakra, SDB, Vice Provincial of the Province of Shillong. Speaking on behalf of the Provincial, he expressed the joy of the Province in hosting this important regional gathering. He gave a brief overview of the geographical areas where the Salesians carry out their mission across the four states of Northeast India, highlighting the diversity and breadth of the Salesian presence in the region.
Fr. Jeevan conveyed his best wishes for the fruitful conduct of the meeting and expressed the hope that the participants would have a meaningful, enriching and enjoyable stay in the Province of Shillong. He encouraged everyone to make the most of the opportunity for fraternity, sharing and reflection during their time together.
The inaugural gathering thus set a meaningful tone for the days ahead, inviting the participants to enter into a process of sharing experiences, reflecting on Youth Ministry, discerning together and making decisions for the future. It marked the beginning of an important regional encounter aimed at strengthening collaboration, communion and the shared commitment to the Salesian Youth Ministry mission in South Asia.
Reported by Fr. Ritonbor Kharkongor sdb