Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) - The Society of the Divine Word has instituted a new religious province in north east India which covers the states of Arnachal Pradesh, Assam and Tripura. The official inauguration took place on 29 January feast of Saint Joseph Freinademetz SVD, chosen as come Patron of the new province. Present for the occasion Fr. Antonio Pernia, SVD Superior General from Rome; Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, two SVD bishops, Bishop Leo Cornelio of Khandwa and Bishop Chacko of Jabhua, and numerous priests, religious and laity. The new province composed of 22 missionaries, is called Guwahati Province and Fr Cyprian Pinto SVD is the first provincial superior.
Divine Word missionaries have offered a sizeable contribution to the evangelisation of India in general. Now they hope to give even greater impulse to their work of evangelisation, human promotion and social harmony in north east India often the scene of unrest and violence.
Thirty years ago the Indian Bishops Conference had the idea of sending SVD missionaries to this area. In 1991 the SVD general curia approved the project and sent three missionaries to open a mission in Silchar. Gradually the mission grew, pastoral work increased and after consultation and consideration the Society decided to institute a religious province. The decision was approved by the SVD general council in 2004 and became operative in January 2006. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/02/2006 Righe: 27 Parole: 271)
