(ANS – Shillong) – “We love Don Bosco!”, “Long live Don Bosco!” Nearly 2000 young delegates from various parts of the province of Silchar gathered at St. Anthony’s School grounds from 23rd to 26th April 2015. Their vibrant voices sounded an enthusiastic start to the four-day long grand finale of the celebrations for the Bicentenary of Don Bosco’s Birth in the province

The event is titled “Youth Expo 2015”. The young people are invited to know, to honour and to imbibe the characteristics of Don Bosco in this changing time. The grand finale of DB Youth Expo began on 23rd April at 5.30 p.m. with the opening declaration by Fr. George Maliekal, Salesian Provincial of Silchar. Most Rev. Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil graced the occasion by his presence. Fr. Paul Olphindro Lyngkot, Vice-Provincial and Chief organizer of the event, welcomed all, especially the hundreds of delegates who arrived from the states of Tripura, Mizoram, Assam and Meghalaya for a deep experience of God and to show their love for Don Bosco.

The inaugural function resonated with the melodious sound of the band of Savio Juniorate, a heaven-raising prayer dance by MSMHC novices, the filial homage of the Bicentenary Anthem by the Choral Evangelists (Mawlai) and the choir of SDB Novices from Sunnyside. The VSDB novices made the Dream come alive. The musical department of St. Anthony’s College rendered the atmosphere vibrant with their Khasi song. The students of Rapsbun Nursing School exhorted the youth to strive for peace through attractive choreography, and the FMA Novices brought alive the divine in human though a dance.

The Provincial, Fr. George Maliekal, paid rich homage to Don Bosco under the title “Father and Teacher of the Young”. He called on the youngsters to make Don Bosco smile from heaven on seeing them happy and living their lives meaningfully.

Sr. Mary Sangma MSMHC expressed the vote of thanks.  This is only the beginning of a four-day long celebration. The celebration will be marked by competitions, animation, cultural events and will reach its climax on Sunday with a solemn Eucharistic celebration and a cultural program. More than 15,000 participants are expected to gather on Sunday. The Salesians of Shillong invite you to join them and these thousands of young people in celebrating and honouring this saint who was to change the face of Meghalaya and the rest of the world.

Published 24/04/2015