Guwahati (CBCI News) Faith Sharing Exposure Programme organized by the Archdiocese of Guwahati in Mallangkhona village, February 25- March 2, attracted around 280 young people from various Religious Houses and Diocesan Formation Centres.
This was the fifth programme since 2008. In his inaugural address Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati reminded the participants: “We are missionaries called to proclaim Christ; and to make him known and loved.” He reminded the participants to “witness Christ by our lives and words”.
“Take this as an active spiritual retreat as you go out visiting the people in the villages and experience their life situations,” he told the young people. “It will refresh your spirits and strengthen you.”
The young people went out visiting families, in the 17 villages, listening and speaking to them. Divided into 17 groups they visited the families all day long and gathered the children and taught them prayers, action songs and games. They prayed over the sick, counseled the troubled.
Each day began with the Eucharistic Adoration at 5.00 am, giving importance to prayer in the life of a missionary.
For Sir Puspika, Clarist Franciscan Missionaries (CFMSS), a participant “the Faith Sharing Exposure programme has infused within me an ardent desire to be a missionary. I also realized that it is necessary to earn the language of the people in order to be effective in my communication with them. This programme has given to the young people the courage to face the challenges of life.”
For brother Midhun from Varapuzha Diocese, “The entire programme was a spiritual retreat. It was an opportunity to experience the life situation of the people, out of the comforts of a seminary walls. This exposure play an important role n the life of those called to be missionaries.”
“It is an encouragement to become a good missionary after listening to the resource persons. They have instilled an enthusiasm to preach the Gospel. This programme shows that we can achieve anything when we are united, “ Sr Archana, Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate (SMMI).
For a Junior Holy Spirit Sr Vidya (SSPs), “the programme has widened my perspective of the understanding of my mission”. “I experienced a sense of belonging to the common mission. I realized that all differences can be overcome through faith in God. This has deepened my vocation. I also feel a sense of gratitude for being called by God. Now my desire is that whatever ministry I will be involved in I will proclaim Christ through my words and deeds.”
Fifteen religious and priest missionaries shared their experiences with the participants. Among them were Bishop Thomas Pulloppill of Bongaigaon, and Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo of Tezpur.
Bishop Thomas Pulloppillil reminded the young people that ‘house visiting has a good scope of evangelization. People are all waiting to hear about God including the no Christians. A priest or a religious symbolizes a person of God. And people place their confidence in them and share their life.
Bishop Akasius congratulated the creative venture of the Archdiocese of Guwahati to enrich the young people and make them effective missionaries.”
Speaking about its purpose Fr Varghese Kizhakelvely, Vicar General of the Archdiocese said, “Our young people live behind the protected walls. They are not in touch with the people whom they are called to serve. This is an opportunity for them to listen to the missionaries sharing their experiences from the mission field. This will enrich them and leave in them memorable experiences.”
“Our call is to communicate the Gospel with whom we are working. This exposure programme will give them an opportunity to visit the villages and experience their life situations, at the same time share with them the Gospel message,” he added.
An initiative of Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil sdb and Fr Varghese Kizhakevley, , the programme is aimed at reviving the missionary spirit among the formees.