By Sister Shiji James

Mumbai: An opera on an Italian Salesian missionary, who started northeast India’s first indigenous congregation for women, has enthralled hundreds in the region.

The program on Venerable Stephen Ferrando, who founded the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC), was staged by the students of Little Flower, Hatigaon in Guwahati, the nerve center of northeastern India.

The two hour long opera on October 24 depicted the inspiring story of Venerable Bishop Ferrando, a passionate missionary and pastor, who worked in northeastern India for 46 years.

The opera was intermingled with narration, dialogue, music and dances. The play presented the Venerable as a man of high caliber, deep faith and wisdom. It pointed out that he made no compromises while executing his duties as a leader and guide.

Venerable Ferrando came to the region in 1923 at the age of 28 and soon took interest in learning the language, customs and traditions of the local people.

He also played the role as novice master and rector for 10 years. On July 9, 1934, Pope Pius XI appointed him as the first Bishop of Krishnagar. A year later, he was transferred to Shillong as its second bishop, where he served for 34 years. He founded MSMHC in 1942 response to the signs of the times and needs of the local church.

Bishop Ferrando established many mission centers, and educational institutions in rural areas, through which he reached out to the poor and needy. He set up several works in the heart of Shillong such as Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, St. Paul’s Seminary, and Nazareth Hospital.

He always encouraged local vocations and loved local culture and promoted local languages. At his retirement in 1969, he was asked to return to his native place and he spent his last few years there. He died on June 20, 1978 and was buried in his family tomb at Rossiglione, Italy. His mortal remains were brought back to Shillong and interred at St. Margaret’s convent chapel, Shillong on December 12, 1987.

The process for his beatification began in 1997 and Pope Francis declared him Venerable on March 3, 2016.

His tomb at Shillong has become a pilgrimage center where hundreds visit and seek his intercession.

(Source: donboscoindia.com)