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Don Bosco Technical School, Shillong Marks Feast of St. John Bosco with Faith and Family Spirit
News reported by: Michael Makri (INS)
The Province of Shillong celebrated the feast of St. John Bosco with devotion and joy at Don Bosco Technical School(DBTS), Shillong, bringing together members of the Salesian Family from across the region. The celebration highlighted gratitude for Don Bosco’s legacy and renewed commitment to his charism of education, service, and loving care for the young.
The programme opened with a warm welcome by Fr. Shinning Dkhar, SDB, Principal of DBTS, who greeted the gathering and set the tone for the celebration. Students of DBTS then presented a song, adding a vibrant cultural touch to the occasion. This was followed by a formal moment during which the Provincial introduced and felicitated the newly appointed Coordinator of the Salesian Cooperators, acknowledging the vital role of lay collaboration in the Salesian mission.
A central highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the Strenna for 2026 by Fr. Jose Varikasseril, SDB. He began by explaining the significance of the Strenna as a guiding spiritual message for the Salesian Family each year. Referring to DBTS Shillong as a contemporary Valdocco, he reflected on the theme, “Do whatever He tells you,” drawing inspiration from Mother Mary’s obedience to God’s Word. He highlighted Mary’s role as the Mother of God and as a caring mother to all, urging the Salesian Family to embrace prayer, reflection, attentive listening, and fraternity. He exhorted priests, religious, Salesian Cooperators, and lay faithful to look, listen, choose, and act like Mary—responding generously to the needs of others through faith and action.
An instrumental performance and song by Br. Dianetious, together with the brothers and hostellers, brought the first part of the programme to a fitting close.
The Eucharistic celebration that followed was presided over by Fr. John Zosiama, SDB, Provincial of the Province of Shillong, and concelebrated by 29 priests. The congregation included Salesian Sisters, Salesian Brothers, Missionaries of Charity Sisters, novices from three Salesian families, Salesian Cooperators, hostel boys, friends, and well-wishers.
In his homily, the Provincial reflected on the Salesian Congregation as a God-inspired movement that began humbly with Don Bosco and grew like a mustard seed. He described the feast as an expression of gratitude for Don Bosco’s gift to the Church and emphasized the importance of a family spirit marked by love, acceptance, and unity beyond cultural differences. Recalling Don Bosco’s Preventive System of reason, religion, and loving-kindness, he encouraged faithful listening to Jesus, humble service to the poor and marginalized, and collaborative fidelity to Don Bosco’s spirit.
The celebration concluded with words of gratitude from Fr. Joby, who thanked all those present for their contributions and continued support of the DBTS community.
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