Diocese of Miao: first chrism Mass in the village of Neotan (photos)

A special prayer is dedicated to the general election that starts on 11 April. Non-Christian believers were also present at the blessing of the oils. The Diocese of Miao is new, created 13 years ago. The bishop’s focus is on the youth ministry.

Miao (AsiaNews) – The Diocese of Miao, Arunachal Pradesh, celebrated the chrism Mass with a special prayer for the general election, which begins on 11 April, said Fr Felix Anthony, spokesman for the Catholic Church in north-eastern India and pastor of the Sacred Heart Church in Neotan, which hosted the service yesterday.

Speaking to AsiaNews, the clergyman said that the event was important "because it was the first Chrism Mass organised in the village".

Every year the diocese organises Chrism Masses in different centre of the diocese, with the blessing of the oils. Yesterday, many Catholics attended the event in the village, as did some 200 priests and nuns.

Among those present “were believers of other religions,” the priest noted, “curious about the celebration organised in the village for the first time."

The Diocese of Miao is new, created 13 years ago. "It is very important for us to make people aware of the beauty of the Catholic Church,” Fr Anthony explained.

The presence of many young people is also a testimony to the diocese’s youthfulness. "Most of them are new Christians, or became Catholic from other Churches."

The bishop, Mgr. George Pallipparambil, is especially focused on them through the pastoral ministry, evangelisation, socialisation as well as drug prevention and control outreach.

“We are very close to the Holy Week,” the prelate explained. “State and centre elections are around the corner. Both are very important.

“As we will be reflecting on the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection, let us also pray for a fair election and may people elect the right leaders to take the country forward,” he added.

According to the bishop, everyone must vote. "Your vote is your right to shape the country. Cast your vote and tell others to do the same.”