Shillong (India). From 14 November to 15 December 2025, 37 young FMAs from the five Provinces of India gathered in Shillong, at the FMA Outreach Community, for the 1 month of the Second Novitiate of the PCI Inter-Provincial Conference, in preparation for the Perpetual Profession. This period of intensive formation aims to delve deeply into the choice of consecration, strengthen Salesian identity, and renew the commitment to living one’s vocation with fidelity, joy, and hope.
The rhythm of the days was marked by prayer, the Eucharist, adoration, silence, study, sharing, and communal moments. Through conferences, group work, personal reflection, pastoral experiences, and moments of recreation, the young FMAs walked together, learning, unlearning, and rediscovering the beauty of their calling.
The conferences offered enriching and educational topics such as: Evangelical Advice, Psychological and Moral Dimensions of Religious Life, Vocation and Mission, Prophetic Testimony, Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Canon Law, Pastoral Ministry and Networking, Salesian Mysticism, Salesian Traditions, Communication in the Digital Age, Interpersonal and Intergenerational Relations, Marian Spirituality, Fidelity and Perseverance. Each intervention was an invitation to look within, grow in awareness, and respond more authentically to God’s call.
In addition to classroom learning, the formation was enriched by significant experiences “beyond the classroom”: visits to Sacred Heart Convent (Mawlai), Don Bosco Museum, the Catholic cemeteries of Pynthorumkhrah and Laitumkhrah, Nongthymmai Provincial House, Bellefonte Novitiate, and an excursion to Cherrapunji, including Weisawdong and Lyngksiar Falls, and Don Bosco Shrine. These moments of encounter —with history, culture, nature, and memory— strengthened the sense of belonging and gratitude in the FMAs.
The month was also marked by the sharing of vocational stories, days of retreat, confessions, adoration, community celebrations, the celebration of the Provincial community, Christmas fraternity, moments of silence and tears, as well as laughter and joy. The young FMAs have in fact shared each other’s lives in depth and, day after day, bonds have been created, hearts have been healed, and faith strengthened.
At the end of this first month filled with grace, the group expressed gratitude to Sister Euginia Kyntiewlin Susngi, who coordinated the experience and whose gentle presence, meticulous planning, and maternal accompaniment guided the young women in every step and to Sister Rosa Pyngrope, Provincial of Immaculate Heart of Mary Province (INS), for her constant encouragement, wisdom, and faith-rich guidance, who invited them to walk like “Pilgrims of Hope”.
“It was truly a wonderful time, spent together, growing deep in our calling, and discovering once again that, when hearts walk together, God works wonders,” echoed the participants.
