The Eucharistic celebration, held on Saturday afternoon in the presence of confreres, members of the Salesian Family, parents, relatives, benefactors, and young aspirants, was presided over by Fr. John Zosiama SDB, Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Shillong Province, who officially received the perpetual vows of the candidates.

The newly perpetually professed included Kharkongor Aldo, Marbaniang Lumlang, Marbaniang Octapaul, Nongdhar Eliphas, Nongkhlaw Donboklang, Myrchiang Leo, Suchiang Mark Donal, and Jeronimus Susngi from the Salesians of Don Bosco – Shillong Province; Bhengra Dhiraj, Kamei Gaisinrei Elias, Ngiimei Namkoi Jacob, and Phimu Athili Romeo from the Salesians of Don Bosco – Dimapur Province; and Kerketta Birendra from the Salesians of Don Bosco – Kolkata Province.

Before God and the gathered assembly, the thirteen young Salesians solemnly professed the evangelical counsels of obedience, poverty, and chastity, offering themselves entirely to Christ and pledging lifelong fidelity to the Salesian mission of serving the young, especially the poor and abandoned.

The church was filled with an atmosphere of reverence and thanksgiving as the candidates, dressed in simple dignity, approached the altar to pronounce their final “Yes” to God. Their vows marked not merely the completion of a stage of formation but the beginning of a lifelong covenant of discipleship and service.

In his homily, Fr. John Zosiama reflected on the beauty and responsibility of the Salesian vocation, describing the generous response of these young men as a powerful sign that God continues to love the world and call labourers into His vineyard.

“Today,” he said, “we rejoice and thank God for the gift of these young Salesians who have heard and responded to His call. We gather not only to witness their profession but also to pray for them and thank God for the gift of Salesian vocation.”

The Provincial thanked the parents, relatives, and friends who supported the candidates throughout their vocational journey, acknowledging their sacrifices, encouragement, and prayers.

A particularly inspiring moment of the homily was Fr. Zosiama’s reflection on the flourishing of vocations within the congregation. Referring to the large number of professions taking place in recent weeks, he noted that the Church continues to witness the generosity of young people who courageously respond to God’s invitation. “We are blessed with many vocations,” he said. “This is a sign that God still loves humanity and continues to call young people to collaborate in His mission of salvation.”

The Provincial reminded the congregation that vocation is never merely a personal choice or achievement. Rather, it is always a divine initiative rooted in God’s loving plan. Drawing from the liturgical readings and the approaching feast of Mary Help of Christians, Fr. Zosiama highlighted the unique role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in salvation history.

Quoting St. Paul’s words, “In the fullness of time, God sent His Son, born of a woman,” he reflected on how God freely chose Mary to become the Mother of the Saviour. “God could have chosen another way,” he explained, “yet He chose Mary. Through her faith and obedience, salvation entered the world.”

He further reflected on the vision in the Book of Revelation, in which the woman clothed with the sun faces opposition from the dragon who seeks to destroy her child. This biblical image, he said, reminds Christians that God’s saving plan often encounters resistance, yet ultimately triumphs through divine grace. “Evil attempted to stop God’s plan,” Fr. Zosiama noted, “but God’s purpose cannot be defeated. Through Mary, the Saviour was born and fulfilled His mission.”

Connecting this biblical reflection to the vocation of the perpetually professed brothers, the Provincial reminded them that they, too, are specially chosen participants in God’s saving work. “Today God continues to save humanity,” he said, “and therefore He continues to call priests and religious to continue Christ’s mission in the Church.”

For the Salesians, this mission takes concrete form in Don Bosco’s charism of being “signs and bearers of God’s love to the young.” The Provincial reminded the brothers that their profession is not an escape from the world but a commitment to serve within it, especially among the young who seek guidance, faith, and hope.

The liturgy reached its emotional climax as each candidate pronounced their perpetual vows before the Provincial and the gathered faithful. The solemn words of commitment, spoken with conviction and serenity, echoed through the chapel as the congregation joined in prayerful silence.

In an age often marked by uncertainty and self-interest, the final “Yes” of these thirteen Salesians emerged as a powerful witness of hope—a reminder that the dream of Don Bosco remains alive and that the Church continues to be blessed with generous hearts ready to dedicate their lives to God and the service of the young.