The Annual Meet of the Touring Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province, Shillong, organized by the Mission Ad Gentes Team, was held at St. Mary Mazzarello, Garobadha, from 9 to 13 July 2026. Sisters directly engaged in touring ministries gathered under the theme “Justice, Peace, Hope and Harmony: The Cry of Humanity” to reflect, deepen their understanding, and renew their commitment to missionary outreach.

The participants began arriving on Thursday, 9 July, and by 4:00 p.m. all had reached the venue from their respective mission centres. They were warmly welcomed by Sr. Cecilia Ksoo, the Animator, along with the Sisters and boarders of the local community. The gathering formally opened with an inaugural programme animated by Sr. Jemeritha Sangma and the boarders, followed by evening prayer in the chapel and a brief goodnight talk by Sr. Maristella Ryngkhlem, the provincial coordinator for Mission ad-gentes.

The second day, commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 6:45 a.m., animated by Sisters from the Nongstoiñ and Deku centres. The gathering was privileged to host Fr. Jogesh B. Sangma, SDB, Rector and Principal of Don Bosco College, Tura, and a renowned evangelizer. Following the Eucharist, he conducted two enriching animation sessions that continued until lunch. The afternoon and evening were dedicated to group sharing and region-wise evaluation of the year’s missionary activities.

The third day was reserved for an outing to neighbouring communities. The sisters visited Chapahati, where they were warmly received and served lunch. The group then proceeded to Deku, Margret Bosco, and Don Bosco College, Tura, where the Salesian community hosted them for tea and refreshments. The day concluded with dinner at Auxilium, Tura, after which the sisters returned to Garobadha.

On Sunday, 12 July, the Sisters participated in the celebration of the Eucharist with the local faithful at Garobadha Parish Church. The animation sessions resumed thereafter, leading into a focused planning session in the afternoon, during which the Sisters prepared the Action Plan for the coming year.

A significant outcome of the meet was the formulation of fifteen guiding commitments for their missionary work. These emphasized the indispensable role of each sister in God’s mission, the importance of living their Salesian vocation with zeal and enthusiasm, and the call to proclaim Christ with dedication. The commitments also highlighted the need for systematic village programmes, family visits, catechesis, care for the elderly, the sick, and children, as well as attention to family life. The Sisters resolved to embrace modern technology in their ministry, nurture Marian devotion, bear witness through their lives, and remain deeply rooted in their relationship with the Lord.

The meet concluded on Monday, 13 July. The participants described the gathering as a moment of grace and renewal, leaving them spiritually refreshed and strengthened in their missionary commitment. As they returned to their respective communities, they carried with them the inspiring words of Pope Francis: “Let us not be robbed of the joy of evangelization.”

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