Shillong, India – May 2024 – The Fifth Provincial Chapter of the Salesian Saint John Paul II Province of Shillong, India (INS) began on 7 May with a day full of spiritual reflections and opening ceremonies. The activities began with meditation, which began at 6:30 am, and Morning Prayer led by Fr Bernard Pala.  There were several talks and it culminated with the Eucharist celebrated by Fr John Zosiama, INS Provincial. The opening ceremony took place in the afternoon, beginning with a warm welcome and an introduction by Fr Denis Lalfela, Provincial Chapter Moderator. The Assembly invoked the Holy Spirit with hymns and prayers, led by Fr Zosiama. The ritual lighting of the lamp followed, accompanied by congratulations from various guests, including Fr Richard Majaw, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Shillong, and representatives of various congregations and associations. Messages of encouragement and appreciation were also received from Fr Alphonse Owoudou, Councillor for the Africa-Madagascar Region and Moderator the GC29, and Fr. Biju Michael, Councillor for the South Asia Region. Fr Zosiama then officially declared the Fifth Provincial Chapter open, marking the beginning of the deliberations aimed at promoting the mission of the Saint John Paul II Province and the Salesian community at the service of young people. The Provincial Chapter will conclude on 10 May with the election of the Delegate for GC29 to be held in Turin in 2025 and his substitute.