Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Miao (Agenzia Fides) – “Our work of evangelization is going along well. The missionary project called, “Padre Pio” has sparked public interest and the people want to know more about the life of this holy friar. In this manner, we are bringing Christ’s message to those who do not know Him,” Bishop George Pallipparambil of Miao (in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India) told Agenzia Fides on the feast of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. The feast day, September 23, is being celebrated in the diocese with a special Mass and an account of the life of this Capuchin Friar, as his number of “spiritual children” continues to grow.
The Bishop pointed out that “right now, for the Church in India, afflicted by fundamentalist in various parts of India, the life of Saint Pio and his acceptance of suffering is a lesson and a comfort to us. The intercession of Saint Pio can help us all.”
The Diocese of Miao is collaborating in the development of a project entitled: “Saint Pio, Missionary to the World.” Through this project, several diocesan benefactors hope to build a school in the diocese, as well as an orphanage, a Church, and an oratory named after the Saint, spreading his spirituality and virtues throughout the world. The project has already been implemented in the Diocese of Autazes (Brazil) and in Tura, Bongaigaon, and Miao (India).
The Diocese of Miao covers a large area inhabited by tribal groups. Bishop George Pallipparambil, SDB, has led the diocese since 2005. It is home to 75,000 faithful who are very active in missionary activities and social assistance. The Bishop told Fides that the Church there “is very active in the area of education and social development, building seminaries, schools, dispensaries, and hospitals to meet the needs of the population.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 23/9/2008)
