Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guwahati (Agenzia Fides) – Christians in northeastern India, an area marked by tension and conflict, now have a new reason for hope and confidence in the future. In Guwahati, in the Indian state of Assam, Don Bosco University has been established. It is the first Catholic university in India. The university, says Salesian Father Joseph Almeida, in charge of the Guwahati area, is another sign of the Church's progress in northeastern India: “Observing the amazing progress of the Church in the northeast, many speak of a 'miracle mission' and we continue to say that it is a miracle of Mary, Help of Christians,” says the Salesian, pointing out the great missionary work carried out by the two Salesian provinces of Dimapur and Guwahati.
The new institute, which was recently inaugurated, is supported by 8 already-existing university residences and will be a center for teaching, research, and consultation that will have three large sectors: technology, services, and the social sector. Among the courses scheduled to be given are: Bio-technology, Nursing, Business Economy, Social Communication, Religion, and Culture, Ethics and Studies on Tribal populations, which is one of the main areas of apostolate for Salesians in the area.
The Institute will contribute to the instruction of the youth and the evangelization of the northeastern area is already bearing many fruits for the Church in India.
The first group of Salesians arrived in the area in 1922. The great missionary spirit present from the beginning set the way for the apostolic style of the future. The missionaries gave immediate importance to the formation of the local people, and in 1924 they opened their first Novitiate in Shillong (state of Meghalaya), which was for students studying Theology and Philosophy. For 30 years, the Salesians were the only masculine Congregation in northeastern India. The mission has always taken place with great fervor and today continues offering formation courses for religious and laity. Observing the great potentiality of the evangelization effort, the Salesian missionary Bishops in the area have founded two local missionary Congregations of religious sisters, who now work in the most remote villages inhabited by tribal peoples.
The youth ministry is very active. The Salesians of Guwahati offer many activities to the youth. The marginalized or those involved in criminal activity receive care, refuge, fraternal aid, with programs for rehabilitation and professional training.
Given the social situation of poverty, underdevelopment, hunger, and illnesses, Guwahati has created a center for social intervention and development that has helped many youth and families improve their lives.
There are currently the following Salesians in northeastern India: 2 Archbishops, 3 Bishops, 617 religious, 351 priest, 46 coadjutors, 210 acolytes in formation, 31 novices, 104 educational and social institutes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/12/2008)
