Bishops, Priests, Religious, Family Members and Well-Wishers Gather to Celebrate a Life Dedicated to God, the Church and the Young
DIMAPUR, June 13, 2026: In a moving celebration marked by prayer, gratitude, and heartfelt tributes, Salesian priest Fr. C.T. Varghese, SDB, commemorated the Golden Jubilee of his Religious Profession, completing fifty years of faithful consecrated life in the service of God, the Church, and the young. The jubilee celebrations were held at the Don Bosco Vocational Training Centre, 3rd Mile, Dimapur, drawing bishops, priests, religious, family members, former students, collaborators, and members of the Salesian Family from across the region.
The congregation was welcomed by the vibrant reception led by the Salesian College brothers’ musical band, whose instrumental performance created an atmosphere of festivity and reverence as guests arrived for the celebration. The day began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration that set the tone for the thanksgiving event.
Introducing the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. EDAMALA Jose SDB put everything together as the purpose of the gathering in a scriptural theme saying, “He has done all things well,” (Mk 7:37) and cited the words of St. Paul, as the reason of gathering saying “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3), inviting the faithful to join in thanking God for the life and ministry of the jubilarian.
In his introductory remarks, Fr. C.T. Varghese SDB recalled the beginnings of his preaching ministry at the Bible School in Hijuguri, Assam where he received guidance and encouragement Bp. P.K. George, D.D. Looking back on his vocational journey, he expressed profound gratitude to God for His unwavering fidelity throughout the years.
The Eucharistic celebration reached its spiritual climax with an inspiring homily delivered by Bishop George Pallipparambil, SDB, Bishop of Miao Diocese. Reflecting on the contemporary crisis of commitment and relationships, the bishop observed that modern society is often marked by instability, broken trust, and shifting loyalties.
“Today, when we look around us, we often see we see relationships breaking down, families divided, and loyalties changing. In such a context, religious life stands as a powerful witness to fidelity,” he said.
Describing religious vocation as a sacred covenant between Christ and the individual, Bishop Pallipparambil emphasized that religious commitment demands total fidelity and lifelong dedication.
“This celebration is fundamentally a celebration of mutual fidelity—God remains faithful to the person He has called, and the person called remains wholly available to God. Religious life cannot be minimized, diluted, or compromised. We are called to be another Christ, continuing His mission in the world,” he said.
Congratulating the jubilarian on reaching this significant milestone, the Bishop thanked him for his dedicated service and witness over the past five decades.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, refreshments were served to the gathering before the commencement of an elaborate felicitation programme.
The programme opened with the felicitation of jubilarians and distinguished guests, acknowledging their presence and support. A celebratory cake-cutting ceremony followed, symbolizing fifty years of God’s abundant blessings and faithful service.
A variety of cultural and artistic presentations enriched the celebration. Students from St. Mary’s, Padampukhri, performed a graceful prayer dance, while the Candidates of the CMC Provincial House rendered a special jubilee choir performance that added a deeply spiritual dimension to the event.
A special musical piece presentation was presented by Fr. John Pdussery, SDB, drawing warm applause from the audience.
The gathering was further enriched by an inspiring message from Rev. Fr. PAMPACKAL Joseph, SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of St. Francis de Sales, Dimapur, who paid glowing tribute to the jubilarian’s five decades of dedicated service. Recalling Fr. C.T. Varghese’s religious profession fifty years ago, the Provincial highlighted his enduring commitment to the YES dimension of Salesian life—Youth, Educator, and Salesian—which has remained the hallmark of his ministry.
Reflecting on the jubilarian’s multifaceted contribution to the province, Fr. Joseph acknowledged his significant service in the fields of education, formation, administration, and pastoral ministry. He particularly praised Fr. Varghese’s prudent stewardship of finances and resources, noting his ability to manage both with wisdom, responsibility, and foresight.
Drawing attention to the dramatic changes witnessed during the jubilarian’s lifetime, the Provincial remarked that Fr. Varghese had journeyed through successive eras—from handwritten letters and postal correspondence to telephones, computers, emails, and today’s smartphones and digital technologies. Yet, amidst these rapid transformations, he observed that the most reliable answers have always come not from technology but from prayer, wisdom, and genuine human kindness.
Concluding on a lighter but deeply meaningful note, Fr. Joseph remarked, “After fifty years of religious profession, you are not old; you are simply a classic Salesian—a masterpiece carefully crafted and moulded by God, precious, enduring, and highly valued.” The audience responded with warm applause, appreciating the heartfelt tribute paid to the jubilarian’s remarkable vocational journey.
One of the most memorable moments of the programme was a multimedia presentation titled “Journey of Fr. C.T. Varghese, SDB,” prepared by the B.Ed. College community. Through photographs, narratives, and testimonies, the presentation traced his vocational journey, missionary assignments, educational service, and pastoral commitments spanning five decades.
The celebration reached another significant moment when Bishop Jose Mukala, formally handed over the Papal Blessing, a special recognition from the Holy Father marking the jubilarian’s fifty years of religious profession. The gesture was received with reverence and heartfelt appreciation by the gathering.
Students from Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, offered a musical tribute, while cultural performers Avi and Lemzi added colour and vibrancy through an engaging dance presentation.
In his response, Fr. C.T. Varghese, SDB, expressed profound gratitude to God, his family, Salesian confreres, collaborators, students, and countless well-wishers who had accompanied and supported him throughout his fifty-year vocational journey. Reflecting on the secret of a joyful and meaningful life, he shared a simple yet profound conviction: “When attitude becomes our attitude, life becomes a celebration.” He noted that this belief has guided him throughout his religious life, inspiring him to embrace every experience with faith, gratitude, and optimism. Reiterating his cherished philosophy that “Life is meant to be celebrated,” the jubilarian encouraged everyone present to recognize God’s blessings in everyday life and to live each moment with joy, hope, and thanksgiving.
As the celebrations came to a close, the Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession of Fr. C.T. Varghese, SDB, stood as a powerful testimony to a life marked by unwavering commitment, missionary zeal, and faithful service. The event not only honoured a remarkable personal milestone but also reaffirmed the enduring relevance of religious vocation in a world searching for authentic witnesses of faith, fidelity, and hope.
