The 35th Annual Meet of the Salesian Cooperators of Shillong Province was held on October 5 and 6, 2013 at Don Bosco Shrine Sohra (Cherrapunjee) with its theme: “Have the courage of your faith and convictions”. The inaugural function began with a short prayer moment invoking God’s presence and blessings. Fr. Gervasis Kozhuppathadam SDB, Parish Priest, the host of the gathering welcomed everyone present and hoisted the Association’s Flag. Different representatives were called upon for the lighting of the lamp, sign and symbol of God’s guiding light. More than 200 Salesian Co-operators took part in the meet.

The first session of the day was on “Pedagogy of Don Bosco” by Fr. Patrick Nongrang SDB, Principal St. John Bosco Higher Secondary School, Sohra. Fr. Festus Emmanuel Shadap SDB, Provincial Delegate of Silchar Province animated the second session on “The Strenna of the Rector – Like Don Bosco, the Educator we offer the young the Gospel of joy through the pedagogy of Kindness”. This was followed by a group discussion based on the input session. Ample time was given for each unit to present their activities and future plans to the enrichment of each other.

The highlights of the second day were the secretarial and financial reports of the association by Mrs. Mildred Iawphniaw and Mrs. Bernadette Mawkhlieng respectively. Solemn Holy Eucharist marked the climax of the event during which 8 aspirants took their promise: 2 from Garobadha and 4 from Sohra centres. Fr. Festus Shadap SDB was the main celebrant together with Fr.  Telesphor Nonglang SDB, Parish Priest Mount Calvary Parish, Rambrai and Fr. Kenny Pakma SDB, Principal Sacred Heart Boys’ Higher Secondary School Mawlai, Shillong.

The last session after the lunch break was yet another exciting one, the election of the Provincial Delegate and the Provincial Council Members. But to the great surprise and joy of all present was the announcement made by Sr. Christina Kharkongor FMA, Provincial Delegate that they could all be re-elected if the assembly wanted. It was in view of the entire office bearers to be renewed at National level by 2016 after the Bicentenary of Don Bosco’s birth. The old members were unanimously re-elected for the next 3 years. In gratitude to their willingness and readiness to serve the Association, Sr. Christina expressed through a meaningful gesture of handing over the flags of all the centres to Mr. Antony Laloo and assured them of each one’s support.

“Take Don Bosco with you to your homes…” was the message at the conclusion of the memorable days at Sohra as the 6 regions were presented a frame of the Relic of Don Bosco. It was to mark the Bicentenary of his birth. This relic will journey from one home to the other of each Salesian Cooperator and will be honoured by organizing a prayer service in his/her respective home. The event was blessed with torrential showers bringing along abundance of God’s graces upon everyone.

Kudos to Sohra Centre for the success of the 35^th Annual Meet of the Salesian Cooperators!