Fr. Blasius Tete sdb –
On a beautiful Sunday morning in Upper Assam, faith and youth converged in a powerful display of resilience, unity, and cultural pride. At St. John Bosco Parish, Tinsukia, more than 550 young parishioners gathered on August 24 to mark National Youth Sunday, under the stirring theme: “Youth as Pilgrims of Hope.”
This was not just another parish feast day—it was a statement. A declaration that the future of the Church, and of society itself, lies in the hands of young people determined to live with discipline, courage, and hope.
The day began with a solemn Holy Mass, celebrated by Fr. John Minj, Diocesan Youth Director of Dibrugarh. Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Shilanand Kerketta SDB welcomed him warmly, before Fr. Minj delivered a homily that cut to the heart of the youth’s struggles and aspirations. “The Lord corrects those whom He loves,” he reminded them, pointing to the narrow gate of discipline. With characteristic candor, he added, “Even making your bed every day is an achievement.” It was a call for discipline in the smallest of actions, a call that resonated deeply.
Symbolism was woven into the day. Following the Mass, the youth flag of the parish was hoisted high, alongside flags from all village circles. It was a moment heavy with meaning—unity stitched into fabric, fluttering against the Tinsukia skies, a visible sign of brotherhood and shared mission.
Recognition followed. The parish paused to felicitate its newly elected youth executive committee, young leaders entrusted with carrying the torch forward. But the celebration wasn’t simply ceremonial; it was practical. A one-hour career guidance and orientation session, once again led by Fr. Minj, grounded the youth in real-world challenges—nudging them to pursue lives of meaning, purpose, and service.
If the morning was spiritual and intellectual, the afternoon was electric. The parish stage and playground became stages for youthful flair and cultural pride. On the stage, a Fashion Show Competition dazzled with creativity and confidence, followed by a breathtaking cultural dance performance in the playground—a vivid reminder of the rich diversity of the parish’s young members.
The gathering was not without nourishment of another kind. A sumptuous lunch bound the community in fellowship, reminding all that celebrations of the spirit must also sustain the body.
The presence and encouragement of Salesian leaders did not go unnoticed. Youth President Mr. Dipak Bagh expressed heartfelt gratitude to Fr. John Minj, Diocesan Youth Director of Dibrugarh for his presence, inspiring homily and animation on Career Guidance, Fr. Shilanand Kerketta SDB (Parish Priest), Fr. Tarsicius Toppo SDB (Headmaster of Don Bosco Gelapukhuri), Fr. Jerome Minj SDB (Administrator), Fr. Jonas Kerketta SDB (Rector and Assistant Parish Priest), and Fr. Blasius Tete SDB. Their steady guidance, many said, was the invisible scaffolding that held the day together.
In a voice that captured the spirit of the day, one participant summed it up: “The event rejuvenated our lives and our hopes. It helped us grow, learn, and gain new experiences.”
By dusk, as the echoes of music and laughter faded, what remained was a renewed conviction: the youth of St. John Bosco Parish are not just heirs to a legacy of faith. They are its present force—pilgrims of hope, walking together toward a brighter tomorrow.