The annual meeting of the Salesian Brothers of the Guwahati Province was held at Shallang Parish from 24 to 25 October 2026. The two-day gathering provided an opportunity for fraternity, reflection, and renewal of the Salesian Brother’s identity, vocation, and mission in the Church and the Congregation.
The meeting was attended by Bros. Sunil Kerketa, Benjamin Induar, Michael Kindo, Nirmal Ekka, Firstjoy Sutong, Paul Makri, Bajanai Kupar Lating, Godfrey Ekka, Sanjit Topno, Athnasius Kerketta, and Peter Mark. Bros. The inauguration was graced by the members of the Shallang community, including Fr. Markus Lakra, Fr. Alfred Marzo, Fr. Francis, Bro. Nirmal, and Bro. Sanjit. Fr. Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim, Vice Provincial of the Guwahati Province, served as the resource person.
The programme began at 10:00 a.m. with an introduction by Bro. Paul Makri, followed by the lighting of the lamp. Bro. Godfrey Ekka read the Word of God, and Bro. Firstjoy Sutong led the opening prayers. Fr. Markus Lakra welcomed and felicitated the participating brothers.
Fr. Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim led the first session on the theme, “Salesians (Brothers) With the Young and for the Young—Saints in the Footsteps of St. Artemide Zatti.” The session focused on rediscovering the identity and vocation of the Salesian Brother in the Church and the Congregation.
He invited the brothers to reflect on their personal understanding of the Salesian Brother and consider how young people experience their presence. He emphasised that a Salesian Brother is not simply someone who does not become a priest, but a fully consecrated Salesian who lives the Salesian charism through the lay dimension of religious life.
Reflecting on the life of St. Artemide Zatti, Fr. Bivan presented him as a model of holiness through prayer, professional competence, tireless service, and joyful fraternity. Despite illness and personal challenges, Zatti discovered his vocation as a Salesian Brother and transformed ordinary work into a path of apostolic holiness.
The brothers were encouraged to follow his example by remaining close to those who suffer, making joy a pastoral expression of faith and fraternity, pursuing excellence in their professional responsibilities, and nurturing a deep spiritual life through prayer, the Eucharist, community living, and apostolic service. Fr. Bivan cautioned that service without prayer could become mere activism.
Reflecting further on the theme “With the Young and for the Young,” he reminded the brothers of the Salesian pastoral vision of creating “a home that welcomes, a school that educates, a church that evangelises, and a playground where young people meet.” He encouraged them to make their presence among the young a genuine expression of the love, compassion, and pastoral charity of Don Bosco.
At 2:00 p.m., Fr. Alfred Marzo led the second session on “The Missionary Dimension of a Salesian Brother.” Drawing from his 75 years of Salesian life, he reflected on the importance of adaptability, obedience, and the ability to respond positively to challenging missionary situations.
Emphasising the spirit of being “With the Young and for the Young,” Fr. Marzo explained that missionary commitment often requires Salesians to move beyond their comfort zones and learn to manage unfamiliar circumstances. Even when faced with the challenge of a new language or culture, a Salesian must remain open, resourceful, and confident in God’s providence.
He encouraged the brothers to trust that God works wonders through their availability and dedication. His message concluded with a strong reminder that, with God’s grace, even seemingly impossible missions can be accomplished when approached with faith, obedience, and a willingness to serve.
Following the session, the assembly felicitated Fr. Alfred Marzo for 75 years of Salesian life and Bro. Benjamin Induar for 25 years of Salesian life. Bro. Bajanai Kupar Lating was also felicitated on the occasion of his recent Perpetual Profession.
The brothers subsequently reviewed the documents of the last Salesian Brothers’ Congress held in Kolkata. The discussion offered an opportunity to revisit its key insights and reflect on their relevance to the life and mission of the Salesian Brothers in the Guwahati Province.
In the evening, the brothers gathered around the altar of the Lord for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Alfred Marzo. The celebration provided a fitting moment of thanksgiving for their vocation, fraternity, and shared commitment to the Salesian mission.
The meeting concluded on the morning of 25 October with a solemn Eucharistic celebration. Following the Mass, the brothers were felicitated by the parishioners in the church, expressing the community’s appreciation for their vocation and dedicated service.
The annual meeting at Shallang was a meaningful occasion for the Salesian Brothers to strengthen their bonds of fraternity, deepen their understanding of their consecrated lay vocation, and renew their missionary commitment. Inspired by the example of St. Artemide Zatti and the spirit of Don Bosco, they were encouraged to continue serving the young with competence, joy, faith, and generous self-giving.
News Courtesy: Bro Paul Makri SDB
