On 16 November 2025, the St Francis Xavier Church, Haflong, was filled with joy, prayer, and deep gratitude as the parish community celebrated the Jubilee of Rev. Fr. P. J. Joseph SDB and Rev. Fr. Xavier Beck SDB at the parish level. The celebration brought together a large gathering of Catholic faithful, along with a notable presence of priests, religious, and well-wishers, all united to honour the lives and ministry of the two jubilarians.
The celebration began with a solemn Holy Mass, presided over by Rev. Fr. P. J. Joseph SDB, who marked his milestone of religious commitment with profound devotion. The homily was delivered by the Silver Jubilarian, Rev. Fr. Xavier Beck SDB, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for His unfailing faithfulness throughout their years of priestly and religious life. He reflected on the joys, challenges, and blessings of their missionary journeys and emphasized the grace that has accompanied both confreres in their service to the Church and to young people in the Salesian tradition.
In his message, Fr. Xavier Beck highlighted the importance of perseverance in vocation, the beauty of serving God’s people, and the joy of walking in the footsteps of Don Bosco. He invited the faithful to continue supporting and praying for vocations, especially within the Salesian family.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the parish organised a felicitation programme to honour the jubilarians. Parish leaders, youth, religious, and lay faithful offered their words of appreciation, recalling the many ways Fr. Joseph and Fr. Xavier have touched lives through their pastoral care, guidance, and commitment to the Gospel. Traditional cultural performances, songs, and tokens of gratitude added warmth and colour to the occasion.
The event became a moment of deep thanksgiving for the countless contributions of the two jubilarians to the spiritual growth of the community. The parishioners expressed their heartfelt joy in celebrating not just a milestone, but a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.
