Rev. Fr. Raphael Bejarano, SDB, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, on Tuesday, 03 March 2026, celebrated the Holy Eucharist at Don Bosco Institute (DBI), Guwahati, during the ongoing Assembly of the Salesian Provincials Conference of South Asia (SPCSA).

The celebration brought together Provincials and delegates from across South Asia, who gathered in prayer and reflection as part of their two-day deliberations on leadership and youth ministry.

In his introduction to the Holy Mass, Fr. Raphael earnestly requested all present to pray for peace in the world. He emphasized the urgent need to intercede for peace in the Middle East and across the globe, reminding the assembly that the Eucharist is a powerful moment to unite the sufferings and hopes of humanity with Christ’s sacrifice.

Beginning his homily with a striking phrase, “Clarity is the elder sister of charity,” Fr. Raphael underscored the importance of having a clear vision in mission and ministry. He spoke about evangelization through the various sectors of the Salesian apostolate and encouraged the members to have the same intention and zeal that animated St. John Bosco in his mission for the young.

He highlighted that the Salesian mission is fundamentally rooted in educating young people, not only academically, but also in moral, social, and spiritual values. Education, he stressed, must form young people who are committed to justice and peace in society. As Catholics, he urged the participants to respect and appreciate the cultures and traditions of the people they serve, fostering harmony and mutual understanding.

“Our identity is to be shepherds who bring peace into the world,” he affirmed. Challenging the assembly with thought-provoking questions, he asked: “What is our personal intention? What is my identity in the Province? What am I doing for the good of the poor?”

He reminded the Salesian leaders that their mission is not merely administrative but deeply pastoral and prophetic. In a world marked by conflict and division, he insisted that Salesians are called to be credible witnesses and agents of peace.

Concluding his homily, Fr. Raphael reiterated, “We have to be agents of peace in the situation today around the world.” He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Assembly for joining him in prayer and for their continued commitment to the mission of Don Bosco in South Asia.

The Eucharistic celebration set a reflective and spiritually enriching tone for the ongoing SPCSA Assembly at DBI, inspiring the participants to renew their dedication to youth ministry and peace-building in their respective Provinces.