Eleven Salesians who completes 50 years of their life as Salesians this year had a creative and pastorally enriching way of commemorating the event of their Golden Jubilee. These Salesians came together to Guwahati to have a celebration that befits their years of ministry with the people of God. They chose to take the jubilee to the heart of villages of the Northeastern region richly blessed by God with a variety of ethnic groups. Fr. George Palackapilly sdb, recounts the event along with a few crisp and spontaneous comments from some of the participants and those who animated them. The programme was planned and initiated by Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil sdb. (George Plathottam) JUBILARIANS IN VILLAGES Eleven Salesians (one Archbishop, six Priests and four Brothers), one diocesan priest and one collaborator who made their First Profession Fifty years ago, came together at Archbishop’s House, Kharghuli, Guwahati, from 29 March to 02 April 2005, to celebrate their Fifty Years of Fidelity to God and to Don Bosco. More than a mere trip down their 50-year-old memory lane, it was a week of intense prayer, sharing and reflection. Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, himself one of the jubilarians, organized and hosted the week-long meeting. Especially memorable was the devout, colourful and solemn celebration of the Eucharist held in a different villages. Each evening the group went to a different village and a different tribe – Rongphar (Karbi), Gobardan (Garo), Uralbasti (Adivasi), Sonaighuli (Bodo) and Borjhar (Rabha). They celebrated the Eucharist which had the lively participation of the entire village. The visits and celebrations provided the jubilarians the opportunity to experience the rich tribal customs and cultural expressions of faith. The following were the participants: Abp. Thomas Menamparampil, Fr. Isaac Mattappillil, Bro. Varkey Villuviruthil, Fr. Mathew Narimattam, Fr. Anthony Thaiparambil, Bro. Fernandez Gabriel, Fr. Anthony Kurupacheril, Bro. Thomas Puthur, Fr. George Palackapilly, Bro. Valeri Nello, Fr. Cilia Joseph, Fr. Terrence D’Souza and Mr. Thomas Mathews. Four senior Salesians animated the group with their enriching experiences and reflections.Each day began with an hour of input from the animator (facilitator) of the day. This consisted chiefly of a personal sharing and reflection by a senior Salesian who had had an important role in the formation of the jubilarians at one time or other. On 29 March, Fr. John Med, veteran missionary and one who had been a Rector and Provincial to many in the group in the early years of their formation, initiated them into prayer and reflection with an hour of his personal sharing of experiences. In his interaction with the group he spoke of the magnificent growth of Salesian works in India to which he himself was both a witness and a participant during the past 70 years. He had seen it all -- the doubts and difficulties, the trials and triumphs, the successes and the failures, which were all very much a part of this magnificent growth. Fr. Med attributed the phenomenal success of Salesian enterprise in India to what he called the three pillars of Salesian life: Piety, Family Spirit and Hard Work. On the second day, 83-year-old Fr. Lo Groi, helped the group to reflect on the richness of the Salesian vocation and the vitality of the spirituality of the Preventive System of Education. He reminded the group of what an Apostolic Visitor to India, after visiting the Assam missions in 1925, had told Mgr Mathias: “Fill India with Don Bosco”. The eminent visitor was so well impressed by everything he saw that he was convinced that the spirit of Don Bosco was what India needed. Fr. Lo Groi is a Salesian for 67 years, 66 of which he has spent in India. He too has been closely associated with many in the group as their rector and provincial. Fr. Sylvanus Sngi --scholar, author, theologian, magician and missionary – led the group in reflection on the missionary aspect of our Salesian vocation on the third day. He recalled how, as a nine-year-old, he was so impressed by the holy missionary, Fr. Vendrame who had visited his village. Referring to present-day opposition to the Church in certain areas, he said, it was a good sign, because ‘nobody beats a dead dog’. Evangelizers are like barking dogs. Do not fear opposition – it is a sign that your are dynamic. On the last day, Fr. Sebastian Karotemprel, noted theologian and professor, shared with the group his experiences and expertise on theology and the missions. He exhorted the participants to “start afresh from Christ”. Every day, the participants shared their life stories of 50 years with the rest of the group. The half-a-century of Salesian life lived out by these men in varied situations through the length and breadth of India was nothing but an amazing chronicle of the power of grace strengthening and transforming frail human efforts. It was also clear how time lends perspective to events. Participants recognized how many an event that they once considered puzzling, unfair or even cruel were in reality grace-filled opportunities for growth and personal transformation. So too, was the realization of how God’s gifts always put our best achievements to shame. At Kharghuli, the Salesian Sisters went out of their way to make the stay of the participants memorable. Their kindness and hospitality were outstanding. I have learnt much from the people I have lived with during my 50 years of religious life (Mathew Narimattom). The Church is alive. Evangelizers are like barking dogs. Do not fear opposition ( Sylvanus Sngi ). Brother Pinakatt convinced me to come to India. I have never regretted my decision ( N. Valeri). Credibility is what counts in a Religious ( Palackapilly) I am happy that I could relate to the poor during the years of my religious life ( Kurupacheril). I am just delighted to be in the company of my companions ( Tom Mathews) We Salesian must persevere the Preventive System (Thomas Puthur) Enthusiasm, Optimism and the Human Touch are typical Salesian characteristics ( Menamparampil )