SHILLONG: Veteran missionary and renowned social worker,Fr. Ugo Turco,SDB who turned 89 on Thursday was felicitated by the people of Jaiñtia Hills at St. Anthony of Padua church in Jowai. The celebrations coincided with the completion of his 60 years in priesthood and 70 years of his profession as religious in the family of the Salesians of Don Bosco.
Fr. Turco has dedicated his service for the poor, the down trodden, the marginalised and the youth in many parts of Assam and Meghalaya and has empowered them to become leaders and model citizens of the society.
He has also built many schools, hostels and vocational institutions for skill learning and skill upgradation of the youths.
Many of his students have become well known leaders in various fields like officers in government service, progressive farmers, politicians, educators, religious leaders, businessmen and social workers.
He had left for Italy some years ago because of age factor and came back to Jaiñtia Hills last few days to take part in the celebrations in his honour and to inaugurate the newly built church at Salini in Mihmyntdu locality of Jowai.
More than two thousand people attended the celebration.
Besides the Bishop of Jowai Diocese, Victor Lyngdoh, who was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass, many prominent leaders from Jaintia Hills, religious leaders, past pupils of Fr. Turco and many men and women of that part of Meghalaya took part in the celebration.
