The Don Bosco Sirajuli Aspirantate Community on 16 August 2026 celebrated the 211th birthday of St. John Bosco, with a day of prayer, fellowship and joyful activities. The celebration began with Solemn Morning Prayer, followed by Holy Mass presided over by the Rector, Rev Fr Ethelbert Minj SDB with Fr. Kuriala Chittattukalam SDB as concelebrant. In his homily, the Rector reflected on the remarkable life and mission of Don Bosco, particularly his unwavering dedication to the education, formation and holistic development of young people. He recalled Don Bosco’s special concern for poor, vulnerable and abandoned youth and his tireless efforts to provide them with education, faith formation, guidance and a sense of belonging.
The Rector encouraged the aspirants to look to Don Bosco not merely as the founder of the Salesian Family but also as a model of Christian life and service. He invited them to cultivate the virtues that characterised Don Bosco—deep faith, compassion for the young, perseverance in the face of difficulties, simplicity of life and wholehearted dedication to one’s mission. He reminded them that becoming a true follower of Don Bosco means learning to love and serve young people with joy and selflessness.
The festive celebration continued with a birthday song in honour of Don Bosco, followed by the inauguration of the aspirants’ new uniforms and a group photograph. The aspirants then enjoyed an outing and participated in a Sodality-wise basketball match, adding a spirit of joy and fraternity to the occasion.
The day concluded with thanksgiving Adoration, a family gathering and the screening of entries from the video-making competition. The various activities provided opportunities for prayer, recreation, creativity and community bonding.
News Courtesy: Cleric Harwish Sangma SDB
