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Shillong, July 1:
15 Salesians Ordained Deacons at Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong
News reported by: Michael Makri (INS)
Fifteen Salesians of Don Bosco from various Salesian Provinces across India were ordained to the Sacred Order of Diaconate at Sacred Heart Theological College (SHTC), Mawlai, on July 1, during a solemn Eucharistic celebration.
The ordination was conferred by Most Rev. John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahati, in the presence of bishops, religious superiors, priests, religious, seminarians, family members, and the faithful.
In his homily, Archbishop Moolachira reminded the newly ordained deacons that their vocation is founded not on personal perfection but on Christ's call. "You are not being ordained because you possess every virtue or every pastoral skill. You are being ordained because Christ has chosen you, and He promises to remain with you," he said.
The Archbishop emphasised that the ministry of a deacon extends beyond liturgical or pastoral duties. Rather, it is a call to belong completely to Christ, who "came not to be served but to serve." Drawing inspiration from St. John Bosco, he encouraged the ordinandi to embrace their ministry with joy and generosity, reminding them that they are "first disciples before becoming ministers, servants before becoming leaders, and brothers before becoming superiors."
The ordination marked a significant milestone for the Salesian Congregation and the wider Church, as the new deacons begin their ministry of the Word, the Altar, and Charity. This important step called them to imitate Christ the Servant and to live the Salesian charism through humble service, missionary zeal, and a preferential love for the young and the poor.
Among those present were Fr. John Zosiama, SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Shillong; Fr. Bivan, SDB, Vice Provincial of the Guwahati Province; Fr. V. G. Thomas, SDB, Vice Provincial of the Kolkata Province; Fr. Robert Pen, SDB, Vice Provincial of the Mumbai Province; Fr. Jeevan Lakra, SDB, Vice Provincial of the Shillong Province; Fr. Deli, SDB, Vice Provincial of the Dimapur Province; and Fr. Bellarmine, OCD, Superior of Lum Carmel Study House. Superiors of religious congregations, priests, formators, seminarians, and members of the faithful also participated in the celebration.
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Publisher: Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Year of publication: 2026
Available from: 4 March 2026
Pages: 928 pp., Paperback
