After a year of intense preparation, study, prayer and reflection, the novices made their first commitment in the Salesian Congregation at Don Bosco Sunnyside Novitiate House in Upper Shillong. Father Paul O Lyngkot, Provincial of Shillong Province, with Father Joseph Teron, Vice Provincial of Guwahati Province and Father VT Jose, Novice Master, received the novices as members of the Congregation on May 24, 2022. They were led to the altar by their parents.

The day also marked the entry of twelve young men who were members of the Congregation temporarily as perpetual members during the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Father Paul O Lyngkot, Provincial. In his homily, the Provincial spoke about the obedience of Mary and urged them to be like her. Through the litany of Saints and the prayer of blessing, the entire assembly invoked God for the fullness of His Spirit to strengthen them in their holy resolve. They made their vows of chastity, poverty and obedience before the public and Father Paul O Lyngkot, accepted them in the name of the Church and the Congregation. As a sign of their total sharing in the life of Christ, each cleric received the Salesian Cross from the Provincial, and he welcomed them as full-fledged members of the Salesian family.

The entire celebration marked and witnessed the beauty of religious life and the joy of dedicating one’s life to the Lord and the Church in the Don Bosco way.