SHILLONG, 30 September 2026: St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, marked a milestone in its 92nd year with the formal erection of a new Centre of the Association of Salesian Cooperators and the Promise of seven aspirants, who were received as full members after two years of preparation and discernment.
The celebration took place at the college auditorium in the presence of the college management, students, members of the Stephenian and Margratian alumni communities, and the families of the seven candidates. The formators and the Provincial Councillors were present, together with Mrs. Ireland Doonai, the Provincial Coordinator.
Fr. Joseph Anikuzhikattil Luka, SDB, Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Family, read out the decree of erection, officially establishing the new Centre at the college. Fr. Luka, who as Rector of St. Anthony’s in 2023 set the process in motion, also received the Promise of the seven on behalf of the Association. His presence on the occasion was a fitting completion of the journey he had begun.
The seven aspirants who made their Promise of Apostolic Commitment were:
Albert Nongrum (President)
Badonbor Kshiar (Secretary)
Bashida Massar
Asha Lakra
Samson Sumer
Bateimon Kharshanoh
Dibinus Kassar
Through the Promise they pledged to live the Gospel in the spirit of Saint John Bosco, in service of young people and in collaboration with the wider Salesian Family. It followed two years of formation, prayer, study of the Project of Apostolic Life, and deepening of commitment, during which the candidates were accompanied by their formators.
The Salesian Cooperators, founded by Don Bosco and approved in 1876, are lay men and women who share in the Salesian mission while remaining fully engaged in their families, professions and communities. A Centre at St. Anthony’s roots this vocation in a school community that has served the youth of Shillong and the region for over nine decades.
The gathering reflected the living bond of the college community. Students witnessed their teachers and mentors making a lifelong commitment, while the Stephenians and Margratians, as alumni of the Salesian educational tradition, joined in welcoming the new members. The presence of the Provincial Councillors and the Provincial Coordinator affirmed the Province’s support for the new Centre. The families of the seven, whose encouragement sustained them through the years of formation, were honoured for their part in the journey.
With the erection of the Centre, St. Anthony’s College enters its 92nd year with a new group of lay collaborators committed to carrying forward Don Bosco’s mission for the young.
Reported by Fr. AL Jose sdb
