By: Adolf Washington.
Bengaluru: Over 500 north-eastern Indian students and Nepalis who congregated at the Jesuit-managed St. Joseph’s Boys School November 27th were reassured of the Church’s pastoral care for them .
Archbishop Dr. Bernard Moras said, “Discrimination between black and white is still rampant across the world, but there should be no reason for you to feel discriminated because the Church cares for you and embraces you. The Bangalore Archdiocesan Commission for Migrants and Itinerant people is constantly working toward addressing your spiritual and temporal needs. It is important that you come together not just for the Holy Mass and cultural programs but also schedule more frequent meetings together to build up a bonding with each other and address the needs of each other”.
Among the participants from the NECCB (North East Catholic Community Bangalore) and BCCM (Bangalore Christian Community of Meghalaya) were Khasis, Tangkhuls, Mizo, Nepalis, Garos, Bodos, Jaintias, Wanchos, Arunachallis and other ethnic groups.
The Archbishop humorously mentioned how you don’t expect to search for Indian curries and masalas (Indian spice mixes)when you travel the globe. ‘when in Rome, be like the Romans’ he said emphasizing on the importance of adapting to different cultures.
The Prelate who thanked the Commission secretaries Fr. Martin Puthusser(sj), Fr. Saju Kalappurdkkal (scj), Fr. Edward Thomas (sdb) and Sr. Nisha (fsm) for their efforts in communicating the mind of the Church towards migrants and Itinerant people appealed to the gathering to “also work toward bringing migrant workers too under the umbrella of the commission because they are often un-noticed”.
Bah Iada Marthing, a top-ranking Indian Police officer in Bengaluru (hailing from Shillong in the north-east) told the gathering “Respect should be commanded by the way of our life and not demanded. If we are genuine and truthful in our work and duty there will be peace and harmony.” He spoke about the consciousness of our Human Rights and dignity while living in other states and we need to adapt ourselves with culture of the people.. ”.
Fr. Solomon Thezii, a priest from the diocese of Imphal said, “ I am happy that Bangalore Archdiocese welcomes everyone without any reservation”. Mr. Hormi Shimray, the leader of NECCB shared his feeling, “ I feel strengthened and supported being with everyone as one family”. Fr. Antony Joseph was a special guest at the function.