The liturgy of the day, planned meticulously and celebrated devotionally was led by Fr. Thomas Ellicherail, the provincial of Kolkata and concelebrated by over 30 priests. In his homily he reminded the novices of the challenges awaiting in a culture which upholds personal autonomy and exaltation of consumerism. Quoting the words of Don Bosco he exhorted the novices to invoke constantly the assistance of our Blessed Mother to be able to live happily the life of consecration. Thirteen of the novices opted to Salesian clerical life, whereas Vimal Toppo of Delhi province chose to commit himself as a lay Salesian. As the ceremony came to a close, in the name of the newly professed Cl. Bernard Mardi and Cl. Marcus Kurbah thanked everyone, particularly their formation guides. The newly professed were felicitated by the provincial during the fellowship meal and he welcomed them to the congregation in the name of the Rector Major. These young men will pursue their post novitiate formation at Sonada, Nasik, Aluva and Yercaud. The 34th batch of novices at Nazareth Bhavan, began the year long formation with twenty formees of whom 18 decided to join the Salesians. Four novices have deferred the profession to another date.