We the PCI Junior Sisters of Guwahati had the privilege to venture for the 11th Mission Exposure Program from 21st to 27th January 2019 at Ambagaon Parish belongs to Tejpur Diocese, organized by Archdiocese of Guwahati for all those are in under formation. We began this Mega event on 21st at 4 pm with a solemn inaugural function with the lighting of the lamp in the presence of Emeritus Rev. Bishop Thomas Menaparampil, Arch. Bishop John Moolachira, the Parish Priest Fr. Philip Barla, Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Nathanial Nazaree and some dignitaries. At the Inaugural ceremony, we were given information about the program and also the idea about the locality, tradition, language, and culture of the people.’’ Dream Big, Be Missionaries’’, ‘Go with humility, be filled with the Holy Spirit, learn as many languages and trust in God’ were the keynotes for the opening ceremony by Emeritus Rev. Bishop Thomas Menaparampil. Then we were divided into 50 groups. Around 600 took participated in this exposure. Indeed we were privileged to live among the 60 various religious Congregations.
We began our days with an hour of Eucharistic adoration at 5 a.m to 7.30 a.m. followed by Morning Prayer and the Holy Eucharist. Each day 2 talks in the morning and 2 talks in the evening were given by great Missionaries of North East India. Prominent speakers such as Bishop P.K. George (Meo Diocese – Arunachal Pradesh), Arch Bishop John Moolachira (Guwahati), Bishop Akasisu Michael Topo (Tejpur Diocese) Fr. Mathew Kortharam, Fr. P. D. Johnny (SDB), Fr. Thomas Lakra, Sr. Philomena Mathew (Superior General MSMHC) and also some the Religious Nuns. After Brunch, we were set out for the village Ministry with our respective group. Each day before setting out for our mission we were given tips by Bishop Thomas Menaparampil. Also, we were made aware of how to go about and what things we need to improve in our Village Apostolate.
Some of the highlights from the talks were-Build the bridges of Communion (Do to others as you want them to do to you Luke 6: 31), every community where I go is my home, Evangelization is a teamwork , the best gift to give others is the Word of God, When we offer ourselves totally to God, He is there to care for everything, to lead & guide us and also in the midst of difficulties and sufferings we are strengthened by Him, be nourished by the Word of God and the Sacraments , Make Christ known it is the duty of each baptized person, must be filled with gifts and Charism of the Holy Spirit to enable us to give Christ and be efficient in the matter of God, Catholic identity to be nurtured, Living for God is a mystery, intercession is a great means to open the door for others to come to Jesus, Be proud of your Mission and love your vocation, We need to be real messenger of Him. Jesus wants 100 percent of his flock to come back to Him.
We will be not worthwhile disciples unless we have love for Mary because she is a great evangelizer.
People want to see in us God, Hard work will not kill us but hatred and jealousy, work hard but take care of your health, equip ourselves more and more, be self-critique, nothing is impossible, We need to adopt the culture of the place and the interest of the people and to learn the languages are essential in order to know the people and their problems, Make friendship with the people, respect them, look at the person as he /she is, We need to bring out talents and abilities from the young people, bear witness together and pray together, be a person of convictions. Why the Catholic Church is not growing because we are not faithful to our family visits. In order to bring God’s grace on our people, we must humble ourselves before God and make sacrifices.
What is our prayer life? Are we faithful to our prayer? Do we have real experience of Christ? If we are persons of prayer we will do what Christ wants. Paul, “It Is No Longer I Who Live, but Christ Lives In Me.” (Galatians 2:20). Like Paul does real conversion has taken place in our lives? If not, Christ will not have a prominent place in our lives. Those who have experienced Risen Lord will help them to pray, spend the time for God and His people (What we have seen and experience that no one can stop us from preaching Christ 1 John 1:3)
Are we not blessed by God as Consecrated Men and Women? Do not forget the good that you can do? These were some of the provoking questions which awaken in us to be true missionary driven by God’s love and passion for the spread of the Kingdom of God.
In the villages, we visited Christian families, taught children action songs, took Catechism classes, conducted prayer service, organized program for youth, prayed for the sick people and interacted with the people. In the evening we were asked to share the report followed by a stage programme by each group. Daily 10 groups shared their reports and other 10 performed the stage programme.
We could say that being with the people for the seven days in villages has indeed strengthened our missionary spirit and zeal, inspired by their eagerness to hear about Jesus Christ and His Word and were willing to sacrifice their time and energy to accompany us where ever we went. Also, we have learned to share and live with the minimum things and adjust ourselves whatever we have. We are very grateful to Our Provincial Sr.Rita Dora Thomas and her Councillors for giving us this golden opportunity to do our Intensive Juniorate here in Guwahati through which we got this chance to be part of this Mission Exposure.
We also express our gratitude to Rev. Sr. Alphonsa Kurisinkal and the council for allowing us to have this beautiful experience in our lives.