Present for the Eucharistic concelebration were the five Provincials from the South Asia Region along with Fr. Biju Michael Pulianmackal the Regional Councillor for South Asia, and many other priests from the three provinces of Guwahati, Dimapur, Shillong.

The Holy Eucharistic celebration was ushered in with an entrance dance by the aspirants of the Visitation Sisters of Don Bosco. The choir for the day was the Mount Carmel Choir from Mawlai. The delegates numbering over 1,500 along with other invited guests were led into a devout participation through the well-animated liturgy led by the FMA Shillong Province. At the outset, Fr. Paul Olphindro Lyngkot, Salesian Provincial of Shillong, gave the introduction wherein he welcomed everyone and gave a brief life sketch of Blessed Michael Rua, being his feast day and specially on the Golden Jubilee of his beatification.

In his homily, the Rector Major recalled the link between Michael Rua and Don Bosco, as well as the filial devotion of the young Giovanni Cagliero towards Don Bosco - both signs of the love Don Bosco always aroused in young people. Then, thinking of the 100 years of Salesian presence in the region, he emphasised the fidelity and perseverance of the successive generations of Salesians over this century, and exhorted the young people to ask one most important question to themselves: “Lord what do you want of me?” and he said that the answer must come from the depth of their heart.  He further said a Christian young person cannot decide for life without asking the aforementioned question. He invited the young people to build a beautiful family life or even to give one’s life as a priest or religious. To the Salesian educators, he said, “I do not want to see a Sister without a smile or a Salesian with a stomach pain”. He said all these were just to bring the message home, that the young people have the right to see their educators happy and that the educators have the right to see the young people generous.

After the Holy Eucharist a group photo was taken with the entire group and then started the interaction with the Youth. As is typical in such cases, Fr. Á.F. Artime made himself completely available to them, answered their questions and queries, and clarified their doubts and anxieties. Speaking about what characterizes Salesian spirituality, he said it is "a spirituality of love, hard work and service to others," and then recalled that Don Bosco himself said how at Valdocco holiness consisted in "always being cheerful."

He then recalled his own vocational journey and reiterated to the young people that any life path can be fruitful, happy and beautiful, as long as it is developed in God. "Dear friends, if God calls you to religious life, respond actively. If He calls you to family life, be sure to serve others. If you carry Jesus in your heart, you will be able to witness Him wherever you are."

Thus, responding to a question about the importance of approaching the sacraments and the Church, he added that the relationship with God is "the guarantee of your happiness" as well as "the most important thing in our lives." Then he renewed the invitation to make the best use of the years of youth to prepare to be good people, responsible citizens as adults.

Finally, when questioned about himself, he said he felt happy, "a simple Salesian confrere trying to do his best"; and in the face of the many needs and commitments incumbent on the Sons of Don Bosco today in all their daily tasks and services, he insisted on the need for the collaboration of well-trained and well-disposed lay people, and directly invited the boys and girls present to continue, even as adults, to accompany the Salesian mission.

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