Tinsukia: A Catholic pious association started ten years ago to promote interreligious dialogue and ecumenism has extended its activities to Arunachal Pradesh, India’s easternmost state.
The Messengers of Peace and Harmony (MPH), which was launched in the Archdiocese of Delhi, held its first general assembly October 11-13 at Tinsukia in Assam state.
A press note from the association on October 18 says it has decided to move forward under the guidance of its patron, Bishop George Palliparambil of Miao, one of the two dioceses in Arunachal Pradesh.
The association established its first house in Miao diocese on July 10 at Gunanagar near Chowkam in Namsai district. The same place will also house the association’s center for formation.
The assembly re-elected Father George Koovackal, its found, as director, and Fr. Benny Nediyamalayil as the assistant director.
It also chose a three-member general council to take the fledgling association forward.
Fr Koovackal, a member of the Carmelite of Mary Immaculate congregation, presented an orientation paper that talks about various challenges the association faces now and suggests ways to overcome.
The assembly also studied the association’s constitution to deepen the members’ spirituality and commitment, especially in the context of its new mission arena – Arunachal Pradesh.
Bishop Palliparambil, who addressed the assembly, expressed appreciation for the association’s charism that he says is “most relevant and essential” in the current Indian context. The Salesian prelate urged Christians, especially the association members, to become real and effective peace makers and its instruments.
The assembly ended with the diaconate ordination of Brothers Solomon Ogirala and Sinjo Thaliyanayath by Bishop Palliparambil.
The assembly decided to hold the next chapter in the second week of July 2017 at Kristunivas, Tinsukia, Assam. All members are expected at the meet to make their temporary or final promises. It will also elect the association’s new leaders.
The meeting elected Fathers Nediyamalayil, John Rosario and Susai Raj as general councillors. Fr. Rosario will look after finance and Fr. Raj will work as the vocation promoter.
The meeting also decided to ask all priest members to attach to the diocese where they are currently working. The patron will make an official contract with the respective bishops.
The meet also decreed that all earning members should contribute 50 percent of their salary to the common fund.