It is becoming more and more evident that the Church of Northeast
India is fast emerging as a major force among the Christian believers in
the country.
The young Catholic community which is just over a hundred
and twenty years old is close to two million members.
They are grateful
to their earlier missionaries from Italy, Spain, France, Germany,
Ireland and other countries for the spirit they have left behind.
The leadership of the Church has moved from foreign hands to Indian
hands, from Indian hands to indigenous hands.
The recent appointment of
Bishop Victor Lyngdoh as the new Bishop of Jowai marks new significant
step. He has already been doing an amazing amount of work at Nongstoin,
many opportunities wait for him at his new assignment.
Mostly composed of members of ethnic minorities, which in India are
called tribal communities, the Catholic community of Northeast India has
brought their spiritual genius into the Church to the edification of
older believers in other parts of the country.
The encouraging fact is that vocations to priesthood and religious
life are rising in this part of the world. This young Church has two
theological centres, several institutions for the study of philosophy,
and increasing number of houses for religious formation.
Religious
publications are rising, theological reflection is deepening,
inculturation efforts are diversifying; and what is most important of
all, people are proud of their faith and are not ashamed to share it
with others.
While they celebrate the Mission Sunday with enthusiasm,
they believe that every Sunday is a mission Sunday and every day a day
for evangelization.