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A Season of Grace: Salesian Province of Shillong Rejoices in New Priestly Ordinations
News reported by: Michael Makri (INS)
The Salesian Province of St. John Paul II, Shillong, continues to give thanks to God for the abundant gift of priestly vocations, joyfully witnessed through a series of grace-filled ordinations that highlight the Church’s mission of forming shepherds after the Heart of Christ. These sacred moments also reflect the Salesian charism of loving, joyful, and missionary service, especially among the young and the poor.
The Province first recalls with gratitude the priestly ordination of Deacon Sagar Bandhu Molsom, SDB, on 3 January 2025 at Christ the King Church, Depacherra, Tripura. The ordination was conferred by Most Rev. Lumen Monteiro, CSC, Bishop of Agartala. A native of Tripura, Fr. Sagar Bandhu was formed in various Salesian houses of formation in Meghalaya and beyond. His vocational journey stands as a testimony to faith, perseverance, and openness to mission. Following his ordination, he continues to prepare himself for pastoral ministry through further theological formation at Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai, Shillong.
This stream of grace continued on 14 January 2026, when the Diocese of Tezpur, Assam, celebrated the priestly ordination of Fr. Kandulna Joseph, SDB, at Mary Help of Christians Parish, Missaari, in Sonitpur District. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Michael Akasius Toppo, SJ, DD, Bishop of Tezpur. Marked by deep prayer and vibrant participation, the liturgy was enriched with cultural dances and the presence of a large gathering of the faithful, including members of the Khasi Catholic community from Mawjrong, Meghalaya, where the new priest had earlier served as a deacon. Fr. Kandulna chose as his priestly motto, “Serve the Lord with gladness” (Ps 100:2), expressing the joy and pastoral zeal that characterize the Salesian vocation.
The joy of the Province reached its peak on 17 January 2026, when the Catholic Church in Meghalaya, together with the Salesian Province of Shillong, celebrated the priestly ordination of Deacon Reniel Banshanskem Synrem, SDB, along with five other deacons. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, Archbishop of Shillong, and was graced by the presence of the Auxiliary Bishop, Vicars General, Provincials, religious superiors, numerous priests and religious, and the families of the ordinands.
In his homily, Archbishop Lyngdoh exhorted the newly ordained priests to live their vocation with fidelity, diligence, and purity of heart. Emphasizing the Salesian spirit, he urged them to be men of prayer, deeply rooted in the Eucharist, and shepherds with the heart of Christ, while also expressing gratitude to the parents for their generous gift to the Church.
Fr. Reniel Banshanskem Synrem, son of the late Mr. Alfred Fancon and Mrs. B. Synrem of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Mawiong, was born on 27 May 1995. He chose as his priestly motto, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor 12:9).
With hearts full of gratitude, the Salesian Province of St. John Paul II, Shillong, entrusts these newly ordained priests and those in formation to Mary Help of Christians, praying that they may serve with joy, humility, and missionary zeal for the growth of the Church and the glory of God.
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