Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guwahati (Fides Service) – Mission ad gentes is undeterred in the face of difficulties, violence or conflict. Fides has been informed that four Catholic Sisters from Assam state north east India, where ethnic violence is present, set out for mission in Brazil. The Sisters belong to a congregation Sisters of Mary Help of Christians established in 1942 by Salesian Archbishop Stephen Fernando of Shillong. This congregation has the largest number of religious in the area: 800 Sisters working in catechesis, education, social services, in hospitals and orphanages. Since it was founded during World War II the congregation has welcomed many members from all over Italy and today it is rich Sisters of various in races and tongues: its members belong to 40 different Indian ethnic groups working in dioceses and in several other countries.
The four new missionaries will work in Brazil in the dioceses of Nova Iguacu, Sao Miguel Arcanjo and Rio, in formation, spiritual animation, evangelisation and teaching.
During the sending ceremony Mother Superior Mary Thadavanal encouraged the Sisters to be always “filled with the Spirit, true to your Christian and missionary identity wherever you work”. The Superior presented each of the Sister with missionary cross. “We are called to carry the Gospel to all peoples. God called us to open paths among difficulties. To be missionaries means to leave situations of comfort to serve others” the Mother said, recalling the words of their founder: “Place all your trust in God, offer him all your fears and your love. He will take care of you”.
(PA) (Fides Service 5/12/2003 lines 29 words 295)
