ASIA/INDIA-Easter Pilgrimage and the Way of the Cross in the tribal areas of the Northeast

Guwahati (Agenzia Fides) - With Easter approaching, the Church in Northeast India – an area troubled by tribal conflict - shows its closeness to the tribal people, who have embraced the Christian faith. For the past few days over 300 religious and priests of the diocese of Guwahati (Assam) visited 14 villages in remote areas, bringing a message of mercy, hope, forgiveness, resurrection to local communities who are often completely excluded from social life.
The group celebrated the Way of the Cross through the narrow streets that climb the hills of Darjeeling: the faithful said they relived "the ascend and the suffering of Jesus towards the Calvary". "It was a time when we shared the status of the poor and gave witness to our faith, even among non-Christians" a catechist told Fides. The Salesian Fr. Solomon, pastor who organized the pilgrimage, says to Fides: "The people who live in the tribal areas live the Way of the Cross in their daily lives. We wanted to share their experience to bear witness to our solidarity".
The people on the mountainous areas, in the diocese of Guwahati live in extreme poverty and need for economic development and social programs, that the local church promotes and manages. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 04/04/2012