Nongpoh Saiden (India). On 7 October 2025, at Mary Help of Christians Formation House in Nongpoh Saiden, after a period of verification and orientation spent in the same community, 29 young women entered the Postulate of Immaculate Heart of Mary Province (INS). The medals were presented by the Provincial, Sister Rosa Pyngrope, in the presence of Sisters from nearby FMA communities and the Aspirants.
Most of these young women come from the States of Meghalaya and Manipur, in North-East India, and were former students, boarders or guests of the FMA institutions. This reflects how much the Salesian Charism is still alive and attractive and how it is still cultivated in families and communities.
This day was preceded by three months of intense spiritual preparation, accompanied by the Word of God, “Courage, it is I, do not be afraid” (Mt 14.27), chosen by the candidates themselves. Before this day, they also experienced a spiritual retreat animated by Fr. Raphael Maiong, SDB, who helped them deepen their call to religious life.
To emphasize the special significance of this entrance, in the Jubilee Year of the Church, the young women also chose symbolic elements that they placed at the foot of the altar at the beginning of the ceremony:
– The boat: symbolizing their daily life. Like pilgrims of hope, they sail together with Jesus towards the goal.
– The Bible symbolizing the constant presence of Jesus in the boat of their life, who will continue to whisper to them in every circumstance, ‘Courage, it is I; do not be afraid’.
– The lighted candle symbolizing Christ light and the reminder that He will be there to illuminate them in moments of darkness in life.
Sister Rosa Pyngrope, who welcomed the Postulants on behalf of the Mother General, invited them to look to Mary, to know her, to love her, and to imitate her in her total donation to her son Jesus.
In addition, Sister Rosa read the message from Sister Chantal Mukase, Visiting General Councilor, on a canonical visit to the Province, but who was unable to be present at the ceremony. She encouraged the Postulants to embrace their formative journey with courage, openness, and trust in God, underlining that the medal they receive represents both their belonging to Christ and their commitment to serve, supported by His love. She urged them to grow through community life, constant prayer, and receptivity to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, following the Charism of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, under the maternal protection of Mary.
After the ceremony, the aspirants cheered the Postulants with Scripture-inspired dances and songs. Expressing their joy and trust in God, the Postulants performed a dance to the music of the Magnificat.
