The Regional Meeting of the Garo Hills and Rabha Hasong Regions of the Salesian Province of Mary Help of Christians, Guwahati, was held at Boys’ Home, Tura on August 1, 2026, bringing together Salesian confreres serving in the two regions for a day of prayer, reflection, dialogue, and planning.

The meeting commenced with the Hymn to the Holy Spirit and an opening prayer led by Fr. Lakra Markus SDB, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Fr. Threnius N. Sangma SDB, Rector of Boys’ Home, Tura, who welcomed the Provincial, confreres, and participants during the blessing of the foundation stone of the multi-purpose auditorium expressed his joy at hosting the regional gathering and emphasizing the importance of fraternity and collaboration in strengthening the Salesian mission.

The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial, who reflected on the missionary identity of the Salesians and encouraged the confreres to renew their commitment to the young, especially those who are poor and marginalized. He highlighted the importance of community life, pastoral creativity, and collaborative ministry in responding effectively to the changing needs of the region. The Provincial also invited the confreres to actively participate in implementing the resolutions of the recent Missionary Planning and Evaluation (MPE) and the Way Forward Symposium, fostering greater unity and shared responsibility in the province.

The report of the previous Regional Meeting was presented by Fr. Marak Pojit SDB, enabling the participants to review the progress made on earlier decisions and recommendations.

The first working session focused on the Animation on the Missionary Planning and Evaluation (MPE) and the Way Forward of the recent concluded Missionary Symposium. The session provided an opportunity to revisit the key insights and recommendations of the provincial gathering, encouraging each community to translate them into concrete pastoral initiatives.

Following a lively floor discussion, clarifications, and a question-and-answer session, the participants broke for fellowship over coffee.

The second session centered on the concerns of the Garo Hills and Rabha Hasong Regions, moderated by Fr. Pius Tharakunnel SDB. Representatives from the various communities shared updates on their ministries, pastoral challenges, educational apostolates, youth work, parish initiatives, and missionary outreach. The discussions also addressed the need for closer collaboration among communities, strengthening youth ministry, vocation promotion, and responding to emerging social and pastoral challenges in the region.

In his concluding message, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial, urged every Salesian to actively promote vocations to the priesthood and encourage young boys to become Salesians. He also reminded the confreres to be available to their students and make a positive impact on their lives. Finally, he called on every community to be a genuine community that serves all with dedication and compassion.

The meeting concluded with a prayer led by Fr. Pannachikal Paul SDB, entrusting the region’s mission to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the maternal care of Mary Help of Christians. The confreres then shared lunch together before departing for their respective communities.

The regional gathering reaffirmed the spirit of communion among the Salesians of Garo Hills and Rabha Hasong, renewing their commitment to work together in the mission of accompanying and educating young people in the spirit of St. John Bosco.