Dimapur, October 9 (MExN): The Salesian Province of Dimapur, comprising the states of Arunachal Pradesh, upper Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, felicitated 13 Salesians in a common jubilee celebration at Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur on October 8. The jubilarians were Fr. Thomas Vattoth and Fr. Mathew Tharakan (Diamond Jubilarians of Religious Profession), Fr. Thomas Mulayinkal and Fr. Kuriakose Palathinkal (Golden Jubilarians of Religious Profession), Fr. Dennis Panipitchai, Fr. Thomas Vengakunnel, Fr. Sebastian Thuruthiyil, Fr. Lazarus Kujur, and Fr. Jeremias Moshary (Silver Jubilarians of Priestly Ordination), and Fr. Theotimus Lakra, Fr. Benny James Kurian, Fr. M. J. Vianney and Fr. Guangdiat Nicholas (Silver Jubilarians of Religious profession). Two other silver jubilarians of Religious Profession, Brother Biju Joseph and Fr. Cyriac Manipadam were honoured in absentia as they are working out of North East India. A press release informed that the two main highlights of the jubilee celebrations consisted of the Jubilee Eucharist and a felicitation programme. The Jubilee Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Mathew Tharakan and concelebrated by over 60 other priests. The homily was preached by Fr. Thomas Vengakunnel, principal of Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School, Dibrugarh. He acknowledged and thanked the parents, the Salesian Congregation, and especially God who has helped them to live and work for youth as members of the Salesian Congregation founded by St. John Bosco. Representatives of the jubilarians spoke on behalf of their companions. Fr. V.T. Thomas spoke on behalf of the two Diamond Jubilarians of Religious Profession. Fr. M.P. Thomas represented the two Golden Jubilarians of Religious Profession. Fr. T.J. Sebastian spoke for the five Silver Jubilarians of priesthood. Fr. R.K. Nicholas voiced the sentiments of the four Silver Jubilarians of Religious Profession, the release added.
