ASIA/INDIA - The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians open a new convent in the state of Orissa

Friday, 21 August 2015

Bhubaneswar (Agenzia Fides) - The Salesian Sisters, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) have opened a house in the Indian state of Orissa, in Kandhamal district, which is located in the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar.
The district was notorious for the killings and anti-Christian violence that took place in August 2008, promoted by Hindu extremist groups against the faithful.
As Fides learns, the initiative of the new house comes from the religious sisters of the Province of Calcutta, who responded to an invitation of the local Church.
During the inauguration of the convent, the Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, Mgr. John Barwa SVD remarked: "The Salesian Sisters join our missionary journey. On behalf of the Archdiocese, I welcome them warmly and wish them a fruitful ministry for the building of the Kingdom of God". The ceremony was attended by over 1,500 faithful among nuns, priests, lay people, but also local civil servants, Hindus and other religions.
"God has given us a very special gift in this year's celebration of the bicentennial of the birth (1815-2015) of our Father and Founder Don Bosco. A dream come true", said Sister Rose Ezarath FMA, Provincial Superior of the FMA. The mission officially began on Aug. 16, the day of Don Bosco's birth, with the constant presence of three religious nuns who "will be missionaries of the Gospel of joy", remarked Sister Rose.
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians will dedicate themselves in particular to young people and poor families by promoting educational activities and professional training. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/08/2015)


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