On 15 October 2022, Auxilium Girls’ Higher Secondary School Shillong belonging to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province of Shillong (INS) celebrated the 150 years of the Foundation of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in the true spirit of Salesian joy. The Spirit of celebration filled the air as students and Sisters performed songs, skits and dances.

In attendance at the celebration, were Shri Charles Pyngrope, MLA, Nongthymmai Constituency as Chief Guest, Sr Elizabeth George, Provincial as Guest of Honour and other dignitaries as special guests. The celebration began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp a symbolic gesture of welcoming the presence of God in the celebration. The invited guests were presented a memento, which carries the logo of the 150 with the slogan Maria walks in this house, specially made for the occasion.

On this happy occasion, the School Band of Auxilium Girls’ Higher Secondary School was inaugurated. The band members spectacularly and harmoniously played five songs to the great admiration and applause of the audience. Another significant performance was the theme song where everyone sang out loud and clear, melodiously and happily waving pink and blue flags of joy and celebration.

The Sisters of the community performed a skit on the birth of the congregation and performed a dance to the tune of the theme song of 150^th Anniversary: Caminando Con Maria.

The speakers at the Jubilee function were Shri Charles Pyngrope, the Chief Guest, and Sr Elizabeth George, Provincial of Shillong Province. The Chief guest in his speech appreciated the contribution of the Salesian Sisters in different fields to the society. While, Sr Elizabeth George narrated the beginning of the Institute, the beautiful role played by Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello.

To thank God for all the blessings the Institute has received for the past 150 years, the community organized a thanksgiving Holy Eucharist celebration in the evening. Religious men and women from the neigbouring communities took part in the celebration. In his homily, Fr. Barnes Mawrie SDB, a past-pupil of the institution, highlighted on the accompanying and active presence of Mary in the life and mission of Jesus, in the Church, in the life of Don Bosco and especially for perpetuating his gratitude through the foundation of the Insititute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. After the celebration of the Holy Eucharist the guests were invited for a festal meal.