North East India Bishops pledge help to universal church

(May 10, 2011) Indian Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, Assam,
has assured Pope Benedict XVI that his community stands ready to help the universal church in anyway that it can. Archbishop Menamparampil who is the President of the Northeast Regional Bishops’ Council, is one of 18 Indian prelates currently on an ad limina visit to the Vatican. A small group of them met the Pope on Thursday. Later on Sunday (May 8) the bishops joined the Easter gathering of the North East India people studying or working in Rome. The participants joined the bishops in extending their heartfelt Easter greetings to the people of Northeast India,so that they may experience true peace and love which can be found only in the Risen Lord.
The meeting began with the celebration of Mass presided over by Archbishop Menamparampil at St Peter’s College Chapel near the Vatican. “Today, we no more feel isolation, but are able to contribute in many ways,” the Archbishop said in homily. “ From a single diocese in 1934, the Church in the region has gown to 15 dioceses today and is making an impact around the world. Besides sending out missionaries, some clergy from the area hold leadership positions as general councilors of religious congregations and one is a coordinator for United Nations missions, Archbishop Menamparampil told the gathering. He also spoke of the achievements of many others. “It is because of their cheerful nature, ability to adapt to people, culture and social situations that northeast people are able to succeed in foreign missions” he added. He encouraged all to prepare themselves well to carry out their responsibility towards the people of northeast India who are endowed with a very rich cultural heritage. In conclusion they offered special prayers for the peace and wellbeing of the people of North East, especially of young people of the region who are the hope and future leaders.