Shillong in celebration: 11 new priests ordained, including six Salesians

Over 20 thousand faithful present at the celebration.  Bishop of Jowai: "Priests are agents of God's blessings and healers of those who bear physical and spiritual wounds."  The occasion served to commemorate the extraordinary presence of the Salesians, who for over 100 years have contributed to the development of India.

New Delhi (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Catholics from north-east India are celebrating: over 20 thousand people participated in the ordination of 11 new priests, including six of them Salesians from Don Bosco.  The ceremony took place in the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians in Shillong, Meghalaya, on January 19.  Bishop Victor Lyngdoh of Jowai, presided over the liturgy. 

Directly addressing the newly ordained, he said: “Priests are the apostles of Christ, they represent Christ to the faithful.  They are agents of God's blessings and healers of those who bear physical and spiritual wounds. "

Mass was concelebrated by hundreds of priests.  Dozens of nuns and brothers were also present.  The candidates were presented by Fr.  John Madur, diocesan administrator, and Fr. Paul O Lyngkot, provincial of the Salesians of Shillong.  In addition to the six Salesians, a Capuchin friar, two Claretians and two diocesans were also ordained.

In his homily, Msgr.  Lyngdoh explained: “Priests are teachers and guides of the faithful on how to live a virtuous life, becoming models of holiness in words and deeds.  Priests are prophets like the prophet Jonah who worked for the conversion of the people of Nineveh. "

The bishop then urged the new priests: “They should bring the faithful back to God by preaching [the Gospel].  They should lead the people to Christ and spend their lives in eternal things, like Moses and the other prophets.  Priests should make themselves available to be with the Lord at all times through prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist. "

The ordination ceremony was a time to remember the presence of the Salesians in India.  The first group of missionaries arrived in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, in 1906. THe group comprised three priests, a deacon, a coadjutor and a seminarian.  In 1922, the congregation began a new phase of expansion in the northeastern regions, settling in Assam and Meghalaya.

Today the Society of Don Bosco has over 2,500 members distributed in 11 provinces.  The order manages a university, 28 colleges including two engineering schools, more than 100 technical schools, a vast network of high schools and dozens of non-formal technical and agricultural centers.  It is also involved in literacy centers, hospices for street children and rehabilitation and rescue clinics.