Shillong, October 3: Mary Our Help Training Centre, Bellefonte, at Lumshyiap, Shillong, celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a Holy Mass of thanksgiving, marking 50 years of the Salesian Sisters’ service in religious formation and the nurturing of young women.

The celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s journey, honour those who contributed to its establishment and growth, and renew its commitment to serving future generations.

Bellefonte, a house of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), shares a special connection with Mother Catherine Mania from Italy, its first Superior. She purchased the land at Lumshyiap for the construction of the religious house, laying the foundation for its mission of prayer, formation and service.

The institution’s Golden Jubilee also paid tribute to Mother Catherine Mania’s dedication and the contributions of those who helped establish and sustain the centre over the past five decades.

Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, Archbishop of Shillong, presided over the Holy Mass, while Most Rev. Wilbert Marweiñ, Bishop of Nongstoiñ, and other priests concelebrated. Sisters and members of the faithful joined the thanksgiving celebration.

In his homily, Archbishop Lyngdoh said a Golden Jubilee was more than a commemoration of the years that had passed. It was an occasion to look back with gratitude, recognise God’s blessings and reflect on what had been accomplished through the institution and the lives of those associated with it.

He emphasised the importance of remembering those who had dedicated themselves to Bellefonte’s mission and carrying their work forward. The anniversary, he said, offered an opportunity to reflect on the past while preparing for the future.

The Archbishop also highlighted the contributions of generations of Sisters whose dedication and service had helped sustain the institution’s mission of religious formation.

Speaking about religious life, he stressed the importance of faith, humility and love, reminding the Sisters that a close relationship with God remained the foundation of a life devoted to service.

He encouraged them to remain willing to serve and welcome others, emphasising that love and humility were essential in building relationships and guiding young women undergoing formation.

Looking ahead, Archbishop Lyngdoh urged the Sisters to continue their mission with confidence in God, noting that while times and generations might change, faith and dedication to service must remain central to the institution’s work.

The celebration brought together Sisters, priests and the faithful in prayer and thanksgiving, while honouring Mother Catherine Mania and all those who had contributed to Bellefonte’s 50-year journey.

The Golden Jubilee concluded with the community entrusting its future to God’s guidance and renewing its commitment to continue its work of formation and service with faith, love and dedication.