The students of theology (8) from Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai, Shillong had come to the province for their winter vacation during which they were assigned to various communities for ministry. Having spent more than a month in the province, they were asked to come to the Provincial House, Okhla Delhi to evaluate and share their experiences of community life and apostolate.
They reached Provincial House on 6th February 2022 for a one-day Programme. It began with celebration of theHoly Eucharist at 6:00 pm presided over by Fr. Davis Maniparamben, Provincial, and concelebrated by Fr. Vijay Soy, Vice Provincial. In his homily Fr. Provincial exhorted all to cultivate a special love for the Holy Eucharist, Blessed Mother Mary and for the young people. The message impelled brothers to rethink of their vocation and the mission as followers of Christ. Soon after the mass, they gathered around Fr. Provincial to share about their experiences of holidays in the communities.
On 7th February the talks were held on different topics The First session was on Young Salesians and Accompaniment conducted by Fr. Shilanand Kerketta, Youth Ministry Delegate. In it he shared the value of utilizing varied forms of personal accompaniment provided in the formation process. Through inputs, interactions, discussions and sharing he highlighted the necessity and the benefits of personal spiritual accompaniment for a young Salesian. He said that it is fundamental to seek the grace of God through spiritual direction, counselling, friendly talk and confession. This session helped all to understand the value of sharing in the deepening of one’s calling as religious.
In the second session Fr. Edward Sacrawat, Rector of Don Bosco Ashalayam, Palamgaon, enlightened students of theology about the POCSO Act. Through his talk the brothers learned of the challenges in working for the young and abandoned children. Fr. Biju Abraham, the Provincial Economer presented briefly the financial state of the province and its administration. In the evening brothers gathered again in Bosco Hall and Fr. Vijay Soy and Fr. Shilanand helped the brothers to evaluate and to share their experiences during the holidays in different communities.
8th February was set apart for Agra trip to see the Taj Mahal as many brothers had not visited this historical site. It was wonderful and enjoyable time of togetherness. The brothers began their journey back to Shillong on 9th February, 2022. They were happy to be in the province, although for a short period.
Bro. Sanjay Tigga,
Mawlai, Shillong