Shillong, 26 February 2026: The Salesian Province of Shillong organized a two-day workshop on Salesian Pedagogy from 25–26 February 2026 at the Don Bosco Provincial House. Titled “Educating with the Heart of Don Bosco: A Journey into Salesian Pedagogy,” the programme gathered 54 participants from various Salesian presences across the province for a deep formation experience rooted in the educational vision of Saint John Bosco.
The workshop was coordinated by Fr. Jeevan Kishore Lakra, Vice Provincial of INS, and animated by Fr. John Parankimalil, Secretary of the Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia, and Fr. Patrick Lepcha, Youth Ministry Delegate of South Asia. Through engaging inputs and interactive sessions, they guided participants into a renewed understanding of Don Bosco’s Preventive System—founded on the pillars of Reason, Religion, and Loving Kindness.
The first day cantered on rediscovering Don Bosco as an educator-saint committed to the holistic formation of the young. Special attention was given to the Oratory model: a home that welcomes, a school that prepares for life, a parish that evangelizes, and a playground where joy is shared. Emphasis was placed on loving presence, accompaniment, and relational engagement as essential dimensions of authentic Salesian ministry. Through group work, creative presentations, quizzes, and discussions, participants internalized the Preventive System as a lived experience rather than a mere theory.
The second day focused on practical application across diverse ministries—schools, colleges, parishes, youth centres, and oratories. Concrete strategies were explored for building welcoming environments, nurturing faith formation, fostering relational leadership, and ensuring safe spaces for young people. Participants were challenged to integrate competence with compassion, discipline with love, and structure with spirituality in their pastoral and educational mission.
On 26 February, the Provincial, Rev. Fr. John Zosiama, presided over the Holy Eucharist, highlighting that Salesian education goes beyond academics to the formation of hearts and responsible Christian citizens. In the concluding session, he thanked the resource persons and encouraged participants to translate their learning into concrete pastoral action.
The workshop concluded with renewed zeal among the participants to embody and transmit the Salesian spirit with authenticity and joy. As the Province continues its mission in Northeast India, this initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening every Salesian presence as a vibrant oratory—where young people feel welcomed, accompanied, and empowered for life.
Reported by Cl Sniawshngain Papang
