Don Bosco Society to celebrate Northeast centenary

GUWAHATI: The Don Bosco Society of Salesian Fathers and Brothers is completing their 100 years of service in Northeast India this year (1922-2022), stated a press release.

On July 21, 1921, Father Paul Albera, the then Superior General of Don Bosco in Italy, accepted to serve in the North-East. In 1922, eleven Don Bosco missionaries of different nationalities arrived in Northeast India. They arrived in Guwahati on January 12, 1922, on their way to Shillong, the then capital of Assam. On January 13, 1922 they reached Shillong and took up their assignments there.

At present there are three Provinces in the North East: Guwahati (established in 1959), Dimapur (1981), and Shillong (2012).

Lauding the invaluable contributions of the Salesians in the Northeast since the last hundred years, Fr Januarius S Sangma, current Provincial of Don Bosco Society, Guwahati Province said: "Hundred years' journey of the Salesians (Don Bosco Society) has truly been monumental from every point of view. A huge spiritual transformation, coupled with gigantic leap in education, health care, economic empowerment, organization of people for promotion of justice and equality especially of the deprived sections have been the hallmark of our intervention in the Northeast. Our arrival, intervention and achievements are truly miraculous. "For a year-long centenary celebration, we have prepared ourselves for three years, consisting of introspection and an in-depth study of our own history with special reference to our style of accompanying and empowering the youth to be the powerhouse of change. Such celebrations will ignite further enthusiasm and enhance our contribution for progress of humanity."

To commemorate the centenary, the Don Bosco Society has planned various events. On January 12, there will be a solemn inauguration of the centenary year at Don Bosco campus, Panbazar, Guwahati. Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati will preside over the ceremony. Simultaneously, various other centres under Guwahati Province will gather their students, staff and other people, beneficiaries for the opening of the centenary year.

On January 13, when the day of the arrival of Salesian pioneers at Shillong will be commemorated, there will be a solemn inauguration at the Cathedral Church at Shillong. Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh will preside over the inaugural ceremonies at Shillong.

Don Bosco Society will organize quiz and singing competitions on the occasion of the centenary.

Don Bosco Past Pupils have chalked out events like centenary marathon, table tennis and badminton championships, charitable programmes like blood donation, visit to old age homes, distribution of food, health camps, etc.

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