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RUBY JUBILEE CELEBRATION OF PRIESTLY ORDINATION

Ruby Jubilee Celebration of Priestly Ordination

Sonada: 18, April 2026: Salesian College Sonada celebrated a joyful and meaningful occasion, 14- 17, April 2026, marking the Ruby Jubilee of ordination of thirteen Salesian priests from five North and North Eastern provinces.

The jubilarians hailed from the provinces of New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong and Dimapur. A former Salesian of the same batch too joined the celebration.  Due to illness and other unavoidable reasons four could not be present for the jubilee, however they were remembered in different ways. 

The programme was held at Salesian College Sonada under the leadership of Fr. Johny Nedungatt SDB, the Rector of the college, who took the initiative in bringing the jubilarians together for this special occasion. 

The main celebration took place on 15th April and began with Holy Mass at 10:30 a.m., presided over by Fr. Johny Nedungatt SDB. It was a prayerful moment of thanking God for the forty years of faithful service in the vineyard of the Lord.  A short felicitation programme followed the Eucharistic celebration.  The programme included a choir and a dance performance, which added joy to the celebration. Fr. Jose Anikuzhikattil SDB, rector of St. Anthony’s college, Shillong and full time professor at Sacred Heart College, Shillong, shared a message where he spoke about one’s journey towards priesthood, the importance of faith and dedication, and also his personal experiences and joys as a Salesian priest. Fr. Mathew Cherukattuparambil SDB, the vice-rector, spoke on behalf of the community congratulating the jubilarains. 

The time spent together by the jubilarians was spread across three days when they had several sessions of personal sharing of their priestly journey in their group. Some of them had to face physical assault, inhuman treatment from ecclesiastical authorities, and other frustrating experiences.  “Though they were testing moments, being a Salesian priest itself is so fulfilling”, observed one of them. At different moments over these days, all of them had opportunity to speak to the community when they shared about their priesthood, memories, and reflections from their years of priestly ministry. These moments of sharing were deeply enriching, both for the community, particularly for the brothers. 

A fellowship meal was also arranged, giving everyone the opportunity to interact and celebrate together in a spirit of unity and brotherhood.  Time also was set aside to visit Darjeeling to relive the memories of yester years. Before leaving, the jubilarians expressed their sincere gratitude to the community for hosting the event, where most of them returned for the first time after completing their post novitiate formation in 1980. 

Fr. Pritam Barla SDB,  a Salesian staff of the college shared his thoughts about the jubilee,  “In a profound display of faith and fraternal joy, eight priests celebrated their Sacerdotal Ruby Jubilee on 15 April 2026, marking forty years of dedicated service to the Church - a fitting offering of gratitude to the Lord. From the insights shared in homilies and ‘goodnight talks’ to the personal interactions with younger confreres, the atmosphere reflected renewed missionary zeal. Witnessing these priests as a living testament to long-term commitment was both humbling and a strong call to action.”

The Ruby Jubilee celebration ended on a joyful and thankful note, leaving behind many good memories for everyone who took part in it.

 

Br. Lamkupar Nonglang SDB