Meghalaya Youth Celebrate BCCM day in Bangalore BANGALORE, Nov. 24: Over 200 young people of Meghalaya studying or working in Bangalore gathered at Don Bosco Renewal Centre in the city on 16 November to celebrate the foundation day of the Bangalore Christian Community of Meghalaya (BCCM). Praying, singing, dancing, cultural meet and cooking were the special highlights of the day. The Don Bosco Renewal Centre campus turned colourful with the youthful presence of many young boys and girls, many of whom came dressed up in their traditional attire. The theme of the day was ``Phi long ka jingshai jong ka pyrthei`` (You are the light of the world). The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Most Rev. Dominic Jala, Archbishop of Shillong. The Sacrament of Confirmation was also administered to six youth during the Eucharist. The Archbishop in his homily encouraged the youth to participate in the BCCM activities and to remain united in faith. He thanked Fr. T.C. George for initiating this ministry for the Khasi-Jaintia youth in Bangalore. The Eucharist was followed by a cultural programme. The melodious singing of Richard and Cornelius, two blind boys, and the ``Shad Pliang`` (place dance) touched the hearts of many. The ``Jingkhawai Khasi`` (Khasi meal) prepared by the youth themselves made them feel at home. The BCCM had its humble beginnings in 2006 thanks to the initiative of Salesian priest Fr T.C. George to address the problem of migrant youth in Bangalore, especially those from Meghalaya. Fr. George says that the aim of the BCCM is ``to bring together in unity the Christians from Meghalaya living in Bangalore, to help them celebrate their cultural and Christian identity, and to enable them to face together the challenges of migrant youth in the city.`` The first gathering of BCCM youth took place at Visvadeep, Bangalore in October 2006. Currently the BCCM members assemble together on a regular basis at BOSCO Yuvodaya, the Salesian rehabilitation centre for street children, on alternative Sundays every month. Fr. George explained that ``in addition to the celebration of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, we also have annual retreat during Lent, orientation programmes, celebration of Marian Day, seminars, picnic, and other such activities``. BCCM today has become a haven for the Meghalayans in Bangalore. They are assisted also by Fr. Venky and Fr. Jimmy, two young priests of Meghalaya from Nongstoin and Shillong dioceses.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 07:46:26 +0000
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