Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - These dioceses see themselves as indebted to the first religious of the Foreign Missions of Paris (MEP), who brought the Gospel to the tribes of north-eastern India, as well as to the “new initiative,” that is, the arrival of Salesian missionaries in 1921. Two bishops from the Indian dioceses of Miao and Bongaigaon (located in the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Asma respectively) today continue this work of the first courageous missionaries, with a constant pastoral activity at the service of various settlements of Indian tribes , through instruction, medical assistance, and charitable works.
Bishop George Pallipparambil, S.D.B., Bishop of Miao, since 2005 has been in charge of this diocese, home to 75,000 faithful, and is extremely active in the missionary worl and social assistance. The Church, since it obtained greater liberty, the Bishop told Agenzia Fides, “it has been more actively committed to the area of instruction and social development, in building seminaries, schools, clinics, hospitals, in order to meet the people’s needs.”
Bishop Thoma Pulloppillil, Bishop of Bongaigaon, is at the head of a community of 65,000 faithful and must face the same problems of poverty, lack of education and underdevelopment. Thanks to the priests and religious of various congregations, as well as laity, the community can provide for those most in need and thus, take part in a work of evangelisation.
In harmony with these needs, both the dioceses are carrying out building plans for a complex with a Church, school, and out-patient health care centre. The centre will be named after Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, a saint known throughout the world for his works and amazing virtues.
In particular, the initiative, “Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Missionary of the World,” will be at the service of abandoned children and young mothers. The Bishops state: “We have offered our work to the diocese so that it may come to a deeper knowledge of Christ through the works and virtues of Saint Pio: the mission, which has his name, is for us a spiritual wealth, with instruction and attention for children and those in need.”
The benefactors of “Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Missionary of the World” will provide the diocese of Miao with the funds for carrying out the project, while in the diocese of Bongaigaon, they will purchase the four acres of land needed for the erection of the building. The work will be carried out in a period of five years, with full autonomy from the diocese and in service of the children. “The foundation of this project,” the Bishops pointed out, “will be in prayer and the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Within the structures that will be built, many children will be able to pray, play, and be happy in communion with Jesus.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/2/2008; righe 36, parole 462)
