By Matters India Reporter
Miao: Christ the Light Seminary at Miao in Arunachal Pradesh on January 20 witnessed a confluence of cultures of the northeastern Indian state.
“This is the beauty of the Church. It brings together people from various linguistic and cultural background,” said Taw Tebin, president of Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association.
The association celebrated its eight foundation day at Miao in eastern part of the state.
Various cultures of Arunachal Pradesh came together on the occasion. Nishi, Tangsa, Adi and many other dance troupes from across the state performed on stage.
Speaking at the inaugural function, chief guest Kamlung Mosang, a cabinet minister of the state, lauded the contribution of the Catholic Church to the people of Arunachal especially in the field of education and healthcare.
“The Church has come a long way from being forbidden to enter Arunachal Pradesh to being in the forefront of education and healthcare to the people of Arunachal,” he added.
The minister noted that of the current leaders in Arunachal Pradesh and other parts of the country had received education from Catholic institutions. “Our being kind and compassionate to the poor and the needy at times could be misunderstood as enticement to conversion.
Those who received education from Catholic institutions know who we really are. Let us keep doing the good work,” said the minister, who is also a member of the advisory board of the association.
The association that comprises of Catholics from the two dioceses of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar and Miao, has two patrons – Bishop John Thomas of Itanagar and Bishop George Palliparampil of Miao.
Bishop Palliparampil, who was present for the occasion, blessed the delegates from across the state. “We are going through troubled times. The Church has witnessed unprecedented persecution across the world. These occasional discomforts are good for us and the Church. They keep us awake and do not let us be complacent,” the Salesian prelate said.