The Salesian Co-operators of Shillong Province gathered at Auxilium Nongthymmai for the 46^th Annual Congress from 21 to 22 September 2024. The gathering reflected on the theme, “Make the Dream a Reality,” based on Strenna 2024, “The Dream that makes you Dream, A Heart that Transforms ‘Wolves’ into ‘Lambs’” The inaugural function was moderated by the secretary of the association, Mr. Sympain Chyne. Everyone was accorded a warm welcome through a dance presentation by the pre-aspirants of Auxilium Nongthymmai, which also recalled the meeting of the Samaritan woman with Jesus.

Opening the event was the procession bearing the Word of God, the PAL (Project of Apostolic Life), and the flags of all 22 centres and 2 aspiring centres of the province. The gathering numbering 350 Salesian co-operators invoked God’s presence and enlightenment through the lighting of the lamp, reading of the Word of God and of the PAL. In her message, Sr. Rosa Pyngrope, the FMA provincial of Shillong province, emphasized the importance of collaboration and commitment to serve society in the Salesian style and make the dream of Don Bosco alive in today’s world. Fr. Jeevan Lakra, vice provincial of the Salesian province of Shillong, exhorted the assembly to work together towards a common goal as members of the Salesian family.

The sessions dealt with topics such as “Don Bosco, Our Father and Founder,”  The Hand Book, and an Open Session. The highlights of the programme included the presentation of the reports from the centres, group discussions, theme presentations, and sessions based on the theme.

The second day, 22 September 2024, the climax of the congress was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. John Zosiama, SDB Provincial of Shillong Province. He expressed his great joy in witnessing a vibrant group of Salesian cooperators and exhorted them to continue working together as members of the Salesian family for the salvation of souls, particularly of young people. During the Mass, the Salesian Co-operators renewed their promise to the Lord, pledging their love and fidelity to the Salesian charism. Among those present were Mr. Charles Pyngrope, MLA of Nongthymmai Constituency, Mrs. Rosetta Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District, Mr. Cyril D. Diengdoh, IAS, Secretary Law & Parliamentary Affairs Department, along with priests, sisters who are local delegates of different centers, and other invited guests. The event concluded with the lowering of the flag of the association and the announcement of the venue for the next year’s congress, namely, the Nongstoiñ Centre in West Khasi Hills. Mr. Anthony Laloo, the provincial coordinator, then declared the congress closed and handed over the flag to Mrs. Lily Shailin Nonglang, the local coordinator of the Nongstoiñ centre.  

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