In his November circular, Provincial Fr. John Zosiama, SDB, urged every house to mark the day with prayerful remembrance: “Let us give thanks to the Lord for all our missionaries and rekindle in our hearts the missionary zeal and enthusiasm that continue to inspire our Salesian vocation.” Communities wholeheartedly responded, organizing Masses, Rosaries, reflections, and cultural activities that revived the pioneering spirit of Don Bosco and his early companions.

At Don Bosco Technical School (DBTS), Shillong, the day began with a solemn morning Mass, followed by an evening Rosary offered for missionaries worldwide. An animation session led by Vice Rector Fr. Felix Dkhar brought the community together in prayer and unity, beginning with the hymn “We Are One in the Spirit,” which symbolizes solidarity with Salesians worldwide.

The Mawpdang community observed the jubilee with a solemn Eucharist and prayers of thanksgiving. At Don Bosco Siaha, Fr. Reuben led the morning meditation. He celebrated Mass with the Sisters and hostel girls, emphasizing the call to carry Don Bosco’s missionary spirit into daily life.

The Mandwi community hosted a lively celebration featuring prayers, reflections, and cultural performances attended by parishioners, youth, and dignitaries. In Patharkandi, Parish Priest Fr. Albaster led the commemoration while overseeing the final stages of the new parish residence, which is soon to be inaugurated on January 26, 2025 — a symbolic sign of the ongoing mission and growth.

Don Bosco School Thenzawl marked the day in both community and school settings under the theme “To Thank, To Rethink, and To Relaunch,” renewing their missionary commitment through prayer and creative expressions. At Nandannagar, veteran missionaries Fr. Isaac and Fr. P. J. Joseph shared inspiring testimonies of their missionary journeys, stirring deep appreciation for the vocation.

In Nongthymmai and Rilang, special Masses, prayer services, and children’s celebrations nurtured missionary awareness among the faithful. At Rangblang, a heartfelt Mass celebrated by Fr. Edmund Lakra was followed by Eucharistic Adoration, during which parishioners prayed by name for missionaries — living and deceased — in a moving gesture of gratitude.

At Khliehriat, the community and hostel boys held a special prayer service. At the same time, at the Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shillong, Director Fr. Michael Makri reenacted Don Bosco’s historic farewell homily during an animation session. Later, Fr. Ritonbor Kharkongor led an hour of prayer for missionaries worldwide.

Across the province, the commemoration became a moment of profound thanksgiving and renewed commitment to the Salesian mission. In his concluding message, Fr. Provincial Zosiama expressed gratitude: “Thank you for the reports from various communities about the celebrations of this milestone. Let us continue to encourage one another and pray for more missionary vocations.”

As the sesquicentennial year unfolds, the flame first lit at Valdocco continues to burn brightly — inspiring Salesians to bring Christ’s love to young people across the world.