Sacred Heart Theological College Celebrates 50 Years of Forming Shepherds in Shillong

Shillong, May 18, 2026: Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai, Shillong marked the Golden Jubilee of its reopening with a two-day celebration that brought together priests, religious, formees, youth and lay collaborators in a joyful expression of faith, mission and thanksgiving.

Held on May 16 and 17 under the theme, “Shepherds in the Making… Shaped by His Heart – Expressions of Mission: A Mosaic,” the jubilee celebrations highlighted the institution’s enduring commitment to forming priests and religious leaders rooted in the Heart of Jesus.

The campus came alive with prayer, music, drama and cultural performances as Brothers and Sisters of the College presented a rich blend of artistic expressions reflecting the mission of formation and the call to become shepherds after the Heart of Christ. Dramas, dances, instrumental performances, talks and visual presentations traced the journey of the institution and its contribution to the Church over the past five decades.

The May 16 celebration was dedicated to priests, religious and formees, drawing around 650 participants. Sr. Mable Dhar of the Visitation Sisters of Don Bosco, Mother General of the congregation, attended as the Chief Guest and joined the community in commemorating the milestone.

The gathering became a moment of gratitude for the blessings received since the reopening of the College in 1976, while also honouring the dedication, sacrifice and faithfulness of generations of formators and collaborators who have contributed to the formation of future Church leaders.

The second day of the celebrations focused on youth and lay collaborators, recognising their vital role in the mission and life of the Church. Nearly 600 young people participated in the programme, filling the campus with enthusiasm, prayer and missionary zeal.

Fr. Edmund Gomes of the Salesians of Don Bosco, former Rector of the College and Chief Guest for the youth gathering, emphasised the growing need for vocations and committed shepherds in the Church. He also encouraged parents to support and inspire young people to respond generously to God’s call.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations stood as a powerful testimony to the continuing mission of Sacred Heart Theological College in shaping generations of priests and religious leaders grounded in the love of Christ. As the institution looks to the future, the jubilee served not only as a remembrance of its rich journey but also as a renewed commitment to forming shepherds according to the Heart of Jesus for the service of the Church and society.

By Br. John Avinash SDB