Shillong (India). From 21 to 22 September 2024, the 46th Congress of the Salesian Cooperators Association (ASSCC) of Immaculate Heart of Mary Province (INS) was held at Auxilium Nongthymmai Provincial headquarters in Shillong.
The 350 participants, welcomed by a dance of the pre-aspirants of Auxilium Nongthymmai that recalled the meeting of the Samaritan woman with Jesus, reflected the theme, “Make the dream a reality”, taken from Strenna 2024, in the Bicentenary year of the St. John Bosco’s dream at nine years of age.
The event opened with a procession with the Word of God, with the Apostolic Life Project (PAL), and the flags of the 22 centers and 2 aspirant centers of the Province. The Salesian Cooperators invoked the presence and inspiration of God through the lighting of a lamp, reading the Word of God and the PAL.
In her message, Sister Rosa Pyngrope, Provincial of the Shillong Province, stressed the importance of collaboration and commitment to serve society in the Salesian style and make Don Bosco’s dream come true in today’s world. Fr. Jeevan Lakra, SDB, Vicar of the Province Saint John Paul II (INS), urged the assembly to work together towards a common goal as members of the Salesian Family.
During the sessions, topics such as, “Don Bosco, our father and founder”, the Project of Life, and an open session were discussed. Highlights of the program were presentations of center reports, group discussions, theme presentations, and in-depth discussions.
On 22 September, the culmination of the Congress was the Eucharistic Celebration presided by Fr. John Zosiama, Provincial of Shillong, who expressed his joy in seeing such an enthusiastic group of Salesian Cooperators and urged them to continue working together for the salvation of souls, especially young people.
During the Mass, the Salesian Cooperators renewed their Promise, promising love and fidelity to the Salesian Charism. Attended by, among others, Charles Pyngrope, MLA, District Officer of Nongthymmai; Rosetta Kurbah, Deputy Commissioner of the East Khasi Hills District; Cyril D. Diengdoh, IAS, Secretary of the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department; in addition to priests, local FMA delegates from various centers, and other guests.
The event ended with the Association’s flag-raising and the announcement of the venue for the 2025 Congress, namely the Nongstoiñ Center in West Khasi Hills. Anthony Laloo, the provincial coordinator, then declared the Congress closed and handed over the flag to Ms. Lily Shailin Nonglang, the local coordinator of the Nongstoiñ center.
