FLASH NEWS:

NEWS

GUWAHATI, May 30:

Salesian Missionary Symposium Calls for Renewed Evangelising Zeal in Northeast India

30 May 2026

Missions,

News reported by: Mukhim Bivan [ING]

The Salesian Province of Mary Help of Christians, Guwahati, concluded a two-day Salesian Missionary Symposium on May 30, marking the 150th anniversary of the First Salesian Missionary Expedition (1875–2025). Held under the theme “Remembering the Past, Renewing the Present, Reimagining the Future,” the symposium brought together Salesians and religious to reflect on the Church’s missionary legacy and explore new avenues for evangelisation in Northeast India.

In his keynote address, Fr. Sebastian Kurichel, Provincial of the Guwahati Province, paid tribute to the pioneering missionaries whose sacrifices contributed to the remarkable growth of the Church in the region. While acknowledging their legacy, he challenged participants to examine their missionary commitment, asking whether they remain “missionaries burning with the fire of Christ” or have become mere custodians of institutions.

The first day focused on the foundations and methods of evangelisation. Fr. Jose Varickasseril highlighted the parish as a dynamic centre of missionary outreach rooted in prayer, sacramental life, preaching, and pastoral accompaniment. Fr. Joy Kachappilly reflected on the approaches of early missionaries, whose witness, service, education, and youth ministry transformed communities across the region.

Veteran missionaries shared their experiences of working among the Bodos, Rabhas, Adivasis, Garos, Karbis, and Tiwas, emphasising cultural sensitivity, personal accompaniment, and holistic development as key elements of effective evangelisation.

Fr. Deli Kapani, Vice Provincial of Dimapur, underscored the missionary spirit as central to the Salesian vocation. At the same time, Fr. Nazarius Lakra stressed the importance of strengthening catechesis through trained catechists and contextual faith formation. Addressing the challenges and opportunities of the digital era, Fr. Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim encouraged the Church to embrace social media, livestreaming, artificial intelligence, and local-language digital catechesis as emerging missionary frontiers.

The second day examined practical approaches to evangelisation in contemporary educational, cultural, and social settings. Presentations were delivered by Fr. John Parankimalil on evangelisation in educational institutions, Fr. Lukose Cheruvalil on evangelisation through witness, Fr. Jogesh B. Sangma on missionary outreach in the Garo Hills, Fr. Joseph Langne Teron on Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, Fr. Ethelbert Minj and his team on evangelisation among Adivasi communities, and Fr. Sebastian Ishorary on ministry among the Bodos.

The sessions generated lively discussions on inculturation, youth ministry, education, community participation, and culturally sensitive pastoral practices. Participants recognised the need for creative and contextually relevant forms of evangelisation that address contemporary realities while remaining firmly rooted in the Gospel.

The symposium concluded with a synthesis presented by Fr. Joy Kachappilly, followed by participant feedback, a vote of thanks by Fr. Sebastian Kurichel, and a closing prayer led by Fr. Francis Cheeramben.

A recurring message throughout the symposium was the call to renew missionary discipleship centred on Christ. Participants affirmed that the future vitality of the Church depends not merely on the strength of its institutions but on missionaries inspired by simplicity, holiness, sacrifice, catechesis, love for the young, and the courage to venture into new missionary frontiers.