The Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, formally the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (known by its Italian acronym FMA), is celebrating 100 years since the arrival of six pioneer Catholic missionaries to the North East and the centenary of its India mission, the closing ceremony of which will be held on September 9-10.
The highlights of the two-day event include a one day ‘National Youth Meet’ on September 9 with sister delegates and youth representatives from all the seven provinces of FMA India and representatives from the diocesan youth groups of the Shillong Archdiocese.
Rev Sr Chiara Cazzuola, the Superior General of the Salesian Sisters, Sr Runita Borja, FMA World Councilor for Youth Pastoral, Rev Fr Paul Olphindro Lyngkot, Provincial of Salesian Province of Shillong, and Isawanda Laloo, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, and other government officials will be among the special guests of the day.
Youth belonging to the Auxilium Youth Movement, India, will pay special homage to the six pioneers who were the torch bearers to the North East.
The grand finale on September 10 will have two important high points. First the solemn eucharistic celebration, presided over by the Most Rev Victor Lyngdoh, Archbishop of Shillong, which will be the peak moment of thanksgiving for the gift of the Catholic pioneer missionaries and for the FMA mission in India over the past 100 years.
Secondly, a cultural extravaganza that will showcase the rich diversity of the culture of the people where the Salesian Sisters work across the length and breadth of India. Another significant part of the programme will be the releasing of the six volumes of the History of FMA India, a monumental work by the FMA historians who have recorded scientifically the genesis, growth and expansion of the FMA mission in the country.
‘With Mary in the course of a century and beyond’ is the theme that has guided FMA India in its preparations. “We are happy to be the host of this mega event and as we look with gratitude on the past 100 years, we move towards the future with hope, courage, and optimism,” Sr Elizabeth George, the FMA Provincial, said in a press release today.
