Rev Fr John Zosiama SDB, Provincial of Shillong releasing the book Beyond Borders by Rev Fr Christopher Warlarpih SDB.
On 10 May 2025, on the occasion of the silver jubilee celebration of Fr Christopher Mary Warlarpih, Rev. Fr John Zosiama, Salesian Provincial of Shillong, released his autobiography, titled Beyond Borders: A Salesian Journey through Northeast India, and presented the first copy to the beloved mother. Don Bosco Publications, Guwahati, published the book!
Fr Christopher Mary Warlarpih’s autobiography offers an intimate and engaging portrait of twenty-five years of priestly ministry across the culturally rich landscape of Northeast India. Published to mark his silver jubilee of ordination, this memoir traces his remarkable journey from a butcher’s son in Mawlai, Shillong, to becoming a beloved educator and pastor serving diverse communities.
What makes this autobiography particularly compelling is Fr Christopher’s honest portrayal of his experiences working with various tribal communities, including the Khasis, Garos, Mizos, Bodos, Nagas, and others. His narrative reveals both the challenges and joys of cross-cultural ministry, peppered with humorous anecdotes about language barriers and cultural misunderstandings that humanise his spiritual journey.
The book excels in its vivid descriptions of life in remote mission stations, from the tea gardens of Assam to the hills of Mizoram. Fr Christopher’s writing style is conversational and unpretentious, making even complex theological and social issues accessible to general readers. His deep appreciation for local cultures is evident, particularly in his efforts to learn multiple languages and his composition of songs that celebrate different regions.
Particularly noteworthy are the chapters detailing his educational innovations, from organising study tours for underprivileged students to staging musical dramas about Don Bosco. These initiatives demonstrate the Salesian commitment to holistic youth development beyond mere academics.
The inclusion of song lyrics, musical notations, and photographs adds richness to the narrative, making it as much a cultural document as a spiritual memoir. While occasionally repetitive in its village-by-village accounts, the book succeeds in capturing the essence of Salesian priestly ministry in contemporary India.
Beyond Borders serves as both an inspiring vocational story and a valuable ethnographic record of Northeast India’s Catholic communities, making it essential reading for those interested in modern missionary work and regional studies.
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