ASIA/INDIA - Over 60,000 Catholics took part in the Eucharistic procession at Shillong, in Meghalaya state, Northeast India: “We come to worship You Jesus”

Monday, 13 November 2006

Shillong (Agenzia Fides) - Over 60,000 Catholics took part in the Eucharistic procession at Shillong, the State Capital of Meghalaya, in Northeast India on Sunday, November 12, 2006. " Ngi wan ban mane ia Me Jisu" ('We come to worship you Jesus') was the prayer on the lips of everyone. Rt. Rev. George Mamalassery, Bishop of Tura carried the Blessed Sacrament on a beautifully decorated float through the city, while thousands of onlookers on both sides stood devoutly. The public address system brought the Good News to everyone in the form of hymns and prayers. At the conclusion of the prayerful procession which lasted 3 hours, messages were delivered by Bishop G. Mamalassery, Fr. Michael Marbaniang, Fr. Leomary Lyndem and Mr. Francis Najope.
Like the early Christians, said Bishop George, we shall be recognized as the disciples of Jesus by the love we have for one another. Fr. Michael urged the participants to make a positive difference in the lives of people by becoming witnesses of a new hope which the Risen Lord gives us. The words of Mr. Francis Najope, Minister for Power from the State of Manipur, had an powerful effect on the listeners. He recalled how his 8 year old daughter Elizabeth was kidnapped by the militants three years ago, and was mercilessly killed. Little Elizabeth's funeral took place exactly on November 12, 2003, the day of the Eucharistic procession this year. "We loved her, but God loves her more," affirmed Mr. Francis," "the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken her back." He concluded with the words of Jesus, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing'. The Minister and his wife came all the way from Imphal, Manipur, to thank the Lord for the gift of forgiveness and to praise Him together with the thousands of faithful who manifested their faith in Jesus present in the Eucharist. His Grace Dominic Jala, Archbishop of Shillong, received Mementoes of Elizabeth for distribution among the faithful. May Elizabeth intercede for the Church in the Northeast and all over the world so that love, forgiveness and peace may reign everywhere. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 13/11/2006; righe 25, parole 373)


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