Guwahati: young religious encouraged to "know the poor, the heart of the mission"
Mgr Moolachira, archbishop of Guwahati, explains the goal of the annual event for young Catholic students. Seminarians, nuns, novices and postulants visit some of diocese’s villages of the diocese to bring help and consolation to families. The idea is the brainchild of Mgr Thomas Menamparampil. This year’s edition, the eighth, attracted more than 600 people.
Guwahati (AsiaNews) – Each year, young men and women religious take part in a faith-exposure programme organised by the Archdiocese of Guwahati. Its purpose is to show young people that they "should not believe that they can be missionaries only in organisations and movements, that they are called to serve in the villages where people live, as Jesus did when he sent the disciples among the people,” said Mgr John Moolachira, archbishop of Guwahati (Assam).
Speaking to AsiaNews about the educational programme his diocese organises each year for young students – seminarians, nuns, postulants, novices – in the villages within its jurisdiction, the prelate noted that "Those who take the path of vocation must first uphold the interests and needs of their people.” Indeed, for him, their job is to “be in contact with the poor as well as the sick, and their families, understand their daily needs and make them feel loved. Training helps them renew their priestly choice and fulfils their spiritual and mental hunger."
Now in its eighth edition, the programme is the brainchild of Mgr Thomas Menamparampil, the former archbishop, now apostolic administrator in Jowai. Indeed, for him, “ideas ought to move into action, even grow into institution and movements; even in the context of anger due to a tragic event, injustice, or absolute poverty”.
This led to the idea of offering a weeklong training programme, which currently attracts hundreds of people. This year’s contingent included more 600 young Catholics, supervised by veteran missionaries, social workers and medical personnel. The diocese itself provided the students and their overseers simple accommodations at the diocesan see, including two meals a day, plus snacks for when they travel to villages.
“The programme showcases the mission,” Archbishop Moolachira said. This year, “the students travelled to 40 villages scattered across the diocese, visiting families, talking to them and trying to understand how they live and the problems they face. They prayed together, especially for the sick. They also played with children and taught catechism and songs. They provided some health tips on the most urgent needs. Above all, they made the people feel loved."
At the same time, the programme stimulates "candidates’ vocation. It helps them understand that there is so much to do,” the prelate explained. “Many people in our diocese would like to learn about Jesus but do not have the opportunity. There are kind-hearted young men and women who would like to become priests and nuns, but there is no one to tell him how to. In the villages, many Christians do not know their faith very well and are eager to learn."
The mission’s task is a tall order, Mgr Moolachira acknowledged. "Living conditions are really bad with poverty and disease everywhere. Many people are illiterate, forced to leave school because they were not encouraged to continue, or because they were too poor. Some are alcoholics and do not care about the family, leaving wives with the responsibility of feeding their children. "
Accompanied by some of the students, the archbishop himself travelled to the villages. "Visiting families, talking to people, praying with them are some of the things I like the most. Every day I visit someone. I like to spend time with these simple people, in their modest homes."
The reason for this interest, which is the aim of the whole programme, is that “this way we imitate Jesus who used to send the disciples into the villages,” said the prelate. “Such visits are not just a token of spiritual mercy for the poor. The archdiocese does not only expect a renewed vigour in the religious life of the people, but also a joyful vision for the future. What is more, we hope that some interest in Jesus and the Catholic Church may emerge in non-Christian families."
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04/01/2008
