Inter-Provincial Junior Priests and Brothers’ Animation 2025 Begins at Siloam, Umiam

Admin-ING September 22, 2025

Junior Priests’ Animation 2025 (Quinquennium) at Siloam, Umiam, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya. The five-day programme, held from 22^nd to 26^th September, is centred on the theme “A Concentrated Consecrated Life” and is animated by Rev. Fr. Albert Johnson SDB, Former Provincial of the Salesian Province of Trichy (INT).

The inaugural session began with a prayer led by Fr. Kitboklang Tyngkan SDB, followed by a welcome address by Fr. Jeevan Lakra SDB, Vice Provincial of INS. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial of Guwahati addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of priestly renewal and fraternity.

While addressing the inaugural programme, Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial of Guwahati, highlighted that the gathering of young Salesians is an essential part of ongoing formation. He reminded the participants that “formation does not stop with perpetual profession or ordination; rather, for a Salesian, formation is a life-long process.”

Fr. Kuricheal emphasized that although there may never be a “perfect community,” each Salesian has the responsibility to make his community the best possible through his personal presence and the way he communicates with his confreres. He urged the young priests and brothers to value fraternal living and to cultivate positive relationships that build unity and joy within communities.

Expressing his gratitude, he thanked Fr. Albert Johnson SDB, former Provincial of Trichy for animating the sessions and inspiring the participants through his guidance and wisdom. He also extended his appreciation to the Director of Siloam for graciously hosting the Quinquennium and ensuring its smooth organization.

Concluding his message, Fr. Kuricheal invited the young Salesians to make the most of this special time together—by learning from one another, by sharing their lived missionary experiences, and by strengthening their consecration to God and commitment to the Salesian mission. The evening concluded with Eucharistic Adoration and night prayers.

Over the following days, Fr. Albert Johnson will guide the participants through a series of sessions on key aspects of priestly and religious life, including Vocation and Formation, Interiorisation, Challenges in Religious Life, Pastoral Challenges, Youth Ministry and Planning, and Working with the Laity. Each day also includes the sharing of personal priestly experiences, fostering deeper bonds among the junior priests.

The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated by various Provincials during the programme, with a special Mass on 25^th September presided over by Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh DD, Archbishop of Shillong. The Quinquennium will conclude on 26^th September with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Albert Johnson, followed by the departure of participants.

Fifty-Two young Salesian priests and brothers from both provinces are participating in this formative encounter, aimed at strengthening their dedication to the Salesian mission and deepening their consecrated commitment to God, the Congregation, and the youth they serve in the various communities.