Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Shillong (Fides Service ) - On Sunday 2 April as he prepared to ordain two new Bishops for two new dioceses in the travailed region of north east India Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana papal nuncio to India told those present for the happy occasion: “Today Jesus chooses them, as long ago after an intense night of prayer he chose the Apostles. He will call them by name - Vincent and Victor - to continue his mission and to render everywhere present the figure of the Good Shepherd, who “lays down his life for the sheep”. The Archbishop presided Mass for the ordination of Bishop Vincent Kympat and Bishop Victor Lyngdoh, celebrating at the same time two new dioceses Jowai and Nongstoin created by Pope Benedict XVI which the new Bishops will serve.
In his homily the Nuncio said: “You have come from many places to take part in this Ordination service. But what is so important about this event? What is a bishop? What is so special about this religious service? The Word of God which we have just heard told us that we are about to enter into the Mystery. The Eternal enters time, although veiled with the appearance of signs, to consecrate a man. The new Bishop will receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit and become a chosen tool in God's plan and work of salvation”.
Archbishop Lopez Quintana said the Bishop should imitate the Good Shepherd and that a Bishop is the spouse of his local Church and diocese for which he is called to give his life.
He told the new Bishops: “Dear brothers Vincent and Victor, you have been entrusted with a grave task and an awesome responsibility, but, fear not, because you have the example and models of great Pastors who went before you, and the steadfast faith handed over to you by the pioneering evangelisers of this land”.
In the states of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tritura, there is ethnic conflict, violence, unemployment, dire poverty and people of 300 different tribes.
“It is disheartening to see the work of the Church often compromised by a lingering tribalism in certain parts of India. At times this tribalism has been so strong that some groups have even refused to receive bishops and priests not from their clans, thus crippling the proper functioning of Church structures and obscuring the essential nature of the Church as communion. Tribal or ethnic difference must never be used as a reason for rejecting a bearer of God’s word… ‘By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another’ (Jn. 13: 35)”. The Nuncio said.
The nuncio asked the Bishops, clergy and religious and lay people present “to help, especially with prayer the new Bishops to live the fullness of their pastoral service”. And he concluded “As the Father sent me, so I send you” (Jn 20: 21). Dear brothers Vincent and Victor, new horizons will open for you, new paths for your life. Take up the staff of the Good Shepherd and walk with farsightedness and courage ahead of your people. I know that with God’s grace you will be faithful to the mandate you have received.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/4/2006 righe 30 parole 315)
