venerdì 28 gennaio 2022

Saint Lawrence International Fraternities in the Amazon - project

 Capuchin Missionary Fraternities in the Heart of the Amazon


1.        Introduction.

Beginning in 2010, and with some growing intensity during the last six-year term, there was a discussion of an interprovincial fraternity in the Amazon where missionary work, especially dedicated to the indigenous people, could be carried out. The proposal was discussed in several meetings without reaching a concrete plan.

In the beginning of the present six-year term, our Minister General Roberto Genuin proposed the following in his programmatic letter “Let us give thanks to the Lord!":

In view of the positive results and the encouragement of the Chapter, the General Council wishes to study the possibility of starting an intercultural fraternity in America similar to those of the project Fraternities for Europe. We believe that it can be a valid instrument to bring a renewed energy to other circumscriptions outside the territorial limits of the old continent. Perhaps, in order to overcome the geographical designation and taking as a reference this jubilee year dedicated to St. Lawrence of Brindisi - a man who knew how to admirably combine prolonged prayer with cultural preparation and a tireless commitment to effectively implement and vigorously advance the Order - it has been thought to call the project, no longer "Fraternities for Europe" but "Fraternity of St. Lawrence of Brindisi”. (# 51)

 


2.        What are the Saint Lawrence of Brindisi Fraternities?

As the result of a meeting held in Fatima in December 2014, Brother Mauro Jöhri defined these fraternities as follows:

"We want to try a new path, establishing intercultural fraternities, which in the light of the Gospel and our Constitutions live prayer, fraternal life and mission in an authentic and coherent way. The resource of interculturality will be the witness that brothers and sisters from different cultures, if they look to Christ present among them, can live, give themselves and work together. We are sustained by the certainty that the charism of Francis of Assisi, lived and witnessed, still has so much to say and communicate to the men and women of our time.”

"I wish to see the emergence of fraternities that live a pure and profound faith, where the quality of fraternal relations becomes a witness to God's Love, and a place of welcome capable of generating proposals for the following the Lord Jesus. We want to evangelize through our daily life, and we want to do it in communion with the local Churches and with ecclesial realities wherever the Lord grants us to be present."(Fr. Mauro Jöhri-Fraternities for Europe-28/01/2015).

3. Charismatic characteristics of the Saint Lawrence of Brindisi Fraternities

These fraternities must live with great intensity: fraternal life, minority, prayer and the apostolate. We describe below some charismatic characteristics of these international fraternities:

 


A. On the value of fraternal life:

Brothers must be convinced that fraternal life is foundational for our Capuchin life and also that it is our first apostolate. We must really be brothers: loving one another, caring for one another, serving one another, attending to one another, enjoying being among one another. For this reason, an atmosphere of trust, joy, sensitivity, acceptance, dialogue and forgiveness must be created. This is nothing more than living the Gospel and if we want to evangelize we must first dispose ourselves to experience it at home. 

Therefore, it will be very important for these fraternities to be animated by a fraternal life of quality, capable of generating a good atmosphere: during meals, moments of recreation, birthday celebrations, a walk, nights or day of fraternity, frequent moments in which all the brothers of the fraternity (and only them) spend time together.

It is very important to have the local chapter once a month, as an occasion conducive for formation, prayer, review of life, sharing of feelings, planning and evaluation of activities, etc.

It will also be very important that the brothers dedicate time to get to know each other, to listen to one another: their family life, vocational stories, dreams and frustrations, expectations for the fraternity. Fraternal relationships are greatly consolidated when we experience together moments of pain and difficulty as true brothers or even as “mothers”—especially, for example, in moments of illness, of family difficulty (illness of parents or close relatives, grief, crisis... listening, praying together...), in some moments of conflict or crisis.

The guardian for each of these fraternities will be a figure of central importance so that he may be a true stimulator of fraternal life and a promoter of relationship between the different fraternities. Therefore, in order to appoint the right person, it will be very important that the major superior discerns his choice very carefully, involving also the general councilor of the area.


B. On the value of minority.

Francis drew much of his inspirations from the mystery of the Incarnation to encourage himself towards minority. This value must also be very present in our lives so as not to disfigure our own Franciscan identity. In minority, we find the sum of poverty with humility, and it is related to sobriety, simplicity, essentiality, transparency.

Concrete expressions of minority must be cultivated in these fraternities, such as assuming with joy and zeal the menial tasks of the house, and avoiding as much as possible having employees to do the things that are proper to the "lesser ones." It gets weird when we hire people to do the menial tasks in our houses.

It should be promoted: simplicity in the things we have and use, sobriety in the food— which should be good, sufficient, healthy, but at the same time simple and inspired by the foods that the local people eat. We cannot ordinarily eat in our homes what is not proper to the place.  This would be a lack of incarnation. On some feast day, it will certainly be permissible to “import".

It is important to keep the economy transparent and attentive to the authentic needs of the brothers. The treasurers must see themselves as servants of the fraternity and nothing else, and everyone must give with confidence everything they receive. Fraternity must creatively seek to be productive: we could say that it must try to become self-sufficient in the ordinary things, in light of what is possible within this specific context of missionary reality. Of course, when there is a group of brothers in formation, the costs will be higher and other subsidies will be available.

The love of work is undoubtedly an important part of our spirituality. Work is a grace. The ordinary way of our life is that we work for what we “eat,” and also for charity. If we are healthy and capable we must reject the idea of being sustained by others. We live by the work of our hands and when we find ourselves in need we turn to the table of the Lord. Let us not forget that we are a mendicant order. And the fact that even simple people collaborate with us financially helps us to become aware of our vocation.

Moreover, the use of our religious habit, according to our Constitutions, is a sign of minority and poverty. Although its continuous use is not obligatory, it is without a doubt a strong sign of our consecration and helps us to consolidate our identity. In some moments of fraternal life, such as in prayer or pastoral care, it could be an important sign of our love for our vocation, and it proves itself as an excellent promoter of vocations.


C. On the value of the life of prayer.

According to the ideal of St. Francis, prayer must have priority in our life, nothing must come before it—and this is how we want to live in each of these fraternities. We desire that a good portion of our time be spent in fraternity with the Lord, tasting His presence, being fed by His Word, being filled with His grace. In other words, this entails a significant amount of time. Prayer cannot be relegated to the spare time we may have when we are free from other activities.  Rather, the other activities should occupy the spare time when we are not at prayer (otherwise, it would not be a priority). Prayer should not be a burden, an obligation, but a grace, a delight—so it should not be set aside for the sake of other things, but its priority should be lived with great delight.

The Eucharist must be the source and summit of fraternal life. Ordinarily, it must be celebrated every day in the presence of all the brothers of the fraternity, in the chapel of the fraternity or elsewhere, with or without the participation of other faithful, even if some brother will partake in another Eucharistic Celebration for pastoral reasons. This fraternal Eucharist, the sacrament of unity, celebrated by all brothers daily, is the foundation of our fraternity and it is what helps us to be one body and one soul. This Eucharistic Celebration must be lived with a lot of enthusiasm: preparing what is needed so that participation [in these Celebrations] is active, conscious and fruitful.

The liturgy of the hours, which spreads the delightful dialogue with the Lord throughout the different times of the day, should mark the rhythm of the fraternity and be a reason for joy and commitment. All of us, through our religious profession, make the commitment to pray it integrally, in fraternity, and when this is not possible, each one must pray it even alone. As far as possible, the fraternity should celebrate all the hours (office of readings, lauds, one of the small hours, vespers and compline). But, according to the Constitutions, lauds and vespers cannot be negotiated—that is, the fraternity must find a way to celebrate them ordinarily in common, and also as many of the other hours as possible. Here the criterion is reversed: not the minimum required, but the maximum possible.

Mental prayer, meditation or contemplation. The Capuchin tradition was always very jealous of this time of silence lived generally in common in the choir, and completed in the rooms. According to our Constitutions this time should be at least one hour a day. Sometimes, we are so agitated that it is difficult for us to be faithful to this time of prayer, but it is important for us to be patient and grow in this commitment. This time of prayer may be done in two moments of the day.  Nonetheless, experience tells us that it is better to do it together with the brothers in the chapel. We cannot define ourselves as contemplatives if we do not have this daily experience. Even though we are overwhelmed with apostolic work, this time remains essential for us to be able to work well.

In addition to all this, it is also very important that the brothers cultivate some devotional prayer which, in light of the opportunities, may be lived in fraternity, but not as a substitution to the other forms of prayer (Mass, liturgy of the hours or meditation). Rather, as something more that is added.



D. On the value of the apostolate.

The apostolate is an integral and necessary part of our Capuchin life. We have been called, consecrated, and sent in order to serve. If our life is not spent in the service of the Church, and especially in the service of those who suffer, it has no meaning. It is important that we understand that the apostolate is not our priority, that is, it is not what comes first.  Nonetheless, this does not mean that we can live without it. This would be absurd.

Since we have been called to live out our mission as lesser brothers, our apostolate must be characterized by our way of being—our way of life. The Church expects from us Capuchins a specific way collaborating, an evangelization based on our charism, an apostolic work that has our identifying mark. The Church does not “want” us to do the very same thing that a diocesan priest, or another missionary, is able to accomplish well.

That is why, when exercising our apostolic activity, it is important for us to remember that we are brothers. It is from the fraternity that we serve. In the fraternity we discern, commit, work and evaluate. It is fundamental that we work together; everything we do must be an expression of our fraternal life. We are not a society of apostolic life, that is, of “pastoralists” who live together only to make some things easier—but who in their apostolic work each individual does the best he can, and each does his own thing. (To be clear: it is not that those who live in such a way do it badly; on the contrary, there is much merit, but we as Capuchins must not live in such a way). We are and want to be an apostolic fraternity, that is, transformed men who like to work together as a team, overcoming competitions, jealousy and personalistic protagonisms…  

Nonetheless, we are not only brothers, we are also minors, lesser ones.   In other words, we prefer to be in the last place; we chose to do what others do not want to do; we desire to go out to meet the "lepers" so that they may heal us and turn into sweetness what in the eyes of the world is bitter; we strive to go and meet those who have fallen away from God. We have no need to have a place where we can say “I'm the one in charge here.”

It is very important that we keep in mind who we are when working on our pastoral plan or our missionary project. Each fraternity must discover the specific pastoral service that God wants from us Capuchins there, a project that does not depend so much on specific qualities or taste of a certain brother who happens to be there at this time—but rather one which could be suited to any Capuchin brother who comes and desires to join.  In other words, it must be a project that, if one brother leaves, it can still move forward. We do not want to despise the personal gifts of each brother, which are certainly a wealth and surely can be of great help—but everything needs to unfold as a project for the whole group, as a fraternity.

Another very important aspect for our pastoral plan is to accompany the Church, to be attentive to the requests from the bishops—always and in so far as they do not attempt to lead us astray from our charism. It is the role of the bishops to help us to be faithful to the charism that was approved by the Church.

It is very important for these fraternities to have a strong enthusiasm for promoting vocations. Namely, that they pray for vocations and are attentive to arouse a desire for vocational discernment in the young people with whom they will be in contact; that they accompany them vividly in their discernment, while giving them the possibility of sharing in our life. At the right moment the vocations will be sent to the corresponding circumscription.   

4.        Where will these St. Lawrence of Brindisi Fraternities be located in Amazonia?

There will be two international fraternities on the triple border between Brazil, Colombia and Peru, in the cities of Benjamin Constant (Brazil) and Leticia (Colombia), where we already have fraternities.

 


5.        What will be its purpose?

Aside from living out the proposed way of life for the St. Lawrence of Brindisi International Fraternities in such a particular context—meaningful and missionary—these fraternities also should be a training center that could offer, especially to the post-novices and also to others who may so desire, the opportunity of a theoretical and practical formation on the missionary ideal in our Capuchin Order. (Fr. Roberto Genuin, Minister General. Prot. No. 000240/20).

Therefore, both fraternities will share this same and only goal, and both should be a significant presence of the Capuchin charism in the Amazon (fraternal, minor, contemplative and apostolic), which will serve as a school of life and mission for the brothers who are in formation and desire this experience—especially, for the brothers who are completing their initial formation.


6.        General and common characteristics of the two fraternities 

A. Regarding the composition of the number of brothers, the following is recommended:

·        There must be at least 4 stable brothers in each fraternity (even better if they are 5), so that if any brother has to be absent for some reason or go on vacation, it does not cease to be a fraternity. 

·         Among these brothers, at least 2 of them must be from the local circumscription, one from Peru, and the others may be brothers from any other circumscription of the Order—in possession of a contract of fraternal collaboration prepared for this project, signed by the major superiors involved, and with the approval of the Minister General.

B. Regarding languages, it will be very important to have in Benjamin Constant at least one Spanish-speaking brother and in Leticia at least one Portuguese-speaking brother. This bilingualism seems to be a requirement also because of the location of both fraternities:

·        For Benjamin Constant, which is located in Brazil, there are many communities (indigenous and "riberinhas") which we are also called to attend pastorally in Peru.  These communities are found across the other side of the river “Islandia,” which is in Peru, and along the border between the two countries, marked by the large river Yavari.

·        Leticia, which is in Colombia, is a neighboring town to Tabatingua, which is in Brazil.  These two cities are across one another, and are separated by a street.  Moreover, on the other side of the river, we find Santa Rosa (Peru) with many communities that are greatly underserved. It would be very important for the mission of this fraternity to discover an apostolate that is able to overcome these territorial borders.


7.        The relationship between the two fraternities:

Both fraternities are under the care of the local major superior responsible for the territory in which they are located.  Nonetheless, they are bonded together by a program in common of mutual help, to encourage one another in the observance of the charismatic elements of our life and to work together in the program of missionary formation.  Therefore, they will need take into account the following points to maintain a relationship and project in common:

·        they must hold at least one monthly meeting, lasting a full day, with the participation of all the brothers: it may be a chapter of formation, a day of retreat, a sharing of missionary services, and also commemorations of birthdays or other events.

·        the location of these meetings may be alternated between the two fraternities, unless there is a particular reason or a situation that would require otherwise.

·        there is to be a planning meeting, at the beginning of each year, to plan for the logistics (the dates, location, and themes) for these fraternal meetings for the whole year.   Nonetheless, nothing prevents that, in addition to the ordinary monthly meetings, an extraordinary meeting could be take place for some other reason.

·        the guardians should encourage a fruitful relationship between all the members of the two fraternities, and the occasions in which the two fraternities get together should be seen and lived as a pleasant opportunity for fraternal living.

·        accessible and effective means of communication between all members of the two fraternities must be in created and available, such as a group on social media or other means of communication.

·        it will be important that both fraternities discuss how each would like to structure the various elements of our daily life, such as the schedule of the house (horarium), as well as the many other practical things so that, as much as possible, both fraternities could be similar.  This must be done keeping in mind the groups of friars that will be involved in formation, so that there will be no problems or gaps, thus clearly showing that both fraternities share in the one and same motivation.

·        each fraternity will have its own project of missionary apostolate.  Nonetheless, it is important to promote some pastoral activities in common throughout year, involving all the brothers of both fraternities as a concrete expression of our fraternal way of serving the Church.

·        the brothers in each fraternity must know relatively well the pastoral service taking place in the other fraternity, so that it would not be a problem to cover for the brothers from the other fraternity when the need arises and they may be absent due to activities of the circumscription: annual retreat, assembly…


8.        Characteristics of the brothers for these fraternities.

It is very important for the brothers who are going to make up these fraternities that they are brothers who are enthusiastic for the Capuchin vocation.  These brothers must: enjoy living and working in fraternity; be willing to dialogue, plan and evaluate; be enthusiastic and desirous for a life of prayer as is our ideal; have no problem with fraternal services and with a simple lifestyle; express love for the apostolate, evangelization and mission; have adequate physical health. It is not the case that these brothers must be perfect.  Rather, they need to be brothers who feel no resistance to what is proper to the way of life for these St. Lawrence of Brindisi International Fraternities, and who are desirous of growing in their Capuchin vocation through this experience.

It is also very important that the brothers who will participate in this project to be attentive to the fact that the building of this authentic Capuchin presence must be done with an Amazonian face. Certainly, our Capuchins way of life can be enriched with many new expressions learned from the ancient cultures that live there.  Therefore, in a particular way the “new” brothers who are going to live there must be prepared for this experience—especially those who will come from other realities: to study something of the culture, the local church, inculturation, interreligious dialogue, etc. In a word: they must be more willing to learn than to teach…


9.        Mission of the major superior of the circumscription in his territory

Each fraternity will be animated by the major superior of the territorial circumscription, that is, it will be under his responsibility like all the other fraternities of the province. Nonetheless, he must take into account the particularity of these international fraternities:

·        There is a common project between the two fraternities, which he must guard, promote and respect.

·        The importance of dialogue with the major superior of the provinces of origin and also with the General Councilor of the area, especially regarding possible decisions that need to be made.

·        The major superior must visit the fraternity at least twice, and if possible one of these visits could take place together with the major superior of the province of origin.  He must visit both fraternities and send a report to the General Councilors of the area.

·        It is very important that the major superior does not think that the international fraternity is a project of the General Curia and, consequently, refrains from his responsibilities.

·        Although the project depends on the major superiors of the local territorial circumscription, the General Curia (especially through its Secretariats) will offer accompaniment on specific issues such as: the quality of the make-up of the fraternity, the quality of the formation programs offered, and the ongoing collaboration between fraternities.     


10.      The fraternal project of each fraternity and the missionary formation project

In the year 2022, the brothers who will make up these fraternities will dedicate themselves to living our Capuchin life intensely, seeking to consolidate fraternal life, minority and the life of prayer.  Certainly, this lifestyle requires a change of mindset, rethinking options, reviewing one’s priorities—but that is exactly why it is an "ideal of life." In other words, it is something that stimulates, moves, and pushes us forward. During this time period, the “newly arrived” brothers will also learn about the apostolic work currently being done there, while seeking to approach it with openness and respect for individuals, apostolic groups and indigenous communities. This is not a time to make changes or modifications, but to get acquainted, dialogue and understand what is being done there, and to get to know the local people, their culture, their faith.

Also, during this first year, the brothers will develop in conjunction with the General Secretariats a course in missionary formation for all post-novices of the Americas.  Moreover, this course will be also available for the other brothers from any part of the world who wish to spend a period of ongoing formation that is missionary and also charismatic.  This is will come to fruition ad experimentum in the year 2023.

In their second year, the brothers will begin to elaborate a new pastoral missionary project that fits our Capuchin lifestyle and the “St. Lawrence of Brindisi” International Fraternities. The following will be taken into account:

·        The recommendations and directives of Pope Francis in the exhortation "Dear Amazonia".

·        The recommendations and directives of Amazonian Ecclesial Conference;

·        The recommendations and directives of the local bishops, according to the diocesan pastoral plan.

·        Knowledge of the recommendations from the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM) in order for us to discover what specific contributions we can make to this important project.

·        Ability to participate in inter-congregational initiatives that are promoted in the area.

We desire, first of all, to live our Capuchin life intensely. And we hope that the formandi and the brothers who will experience the Capuchin life in these fraternities not only to grow in their desire for the missions among the indigenous people, which will be very interesting, but also that they return to their circumscriptions of origin renewed in our ordinary vocation.


11.      Maintenance fund

Ordinarily, the brothers who participate in the “Project” must seek the means of subsistence by their own work, with the collaboration of the local people, and if this is not enough through the help of the circumscription.

The parties agree that the ordinary maintenance of the buildings, as well as the other expenses or taxes related to their ownership, fall under the responsibility of the circumscription which own the building.

A fund should be created to provide support in the maintenance of the “Project” and assist the fraternities in what they cannot help themselves.  This fund is to be created in the Capuchin Conferences of America, with the collaboration of each of the circumscriptions through their respective Secretariats for Evangelization, Animation, and Missionary Cooperation.

In case of extraordinary need, the major superior of the circumscription, or the two major superiors involved, may send a request for financial assistance to the Order's International Solidarity Office in due course.


12.      Conclusion.

The Order understands the "St. Lawrence of Brindisi" fraternities as a way of rescuing our values, and with them helping to rekindle the flame of our charism.

The recommendations and directives contained in this project for the international fraternities in the heart of the Amazon truly are nothing more than what should be the way of life in all the Capuchin fraternities—but for various reasons sometimes this is a bit neglected. These are not burdensome demands, but rather it is the way of being Capuchins in the world.  And the brothers who are attracted to this vocation may find profound fulfillment in living them out. Faithfulness to living out these values is certainly our best way to happiness as a Capuchin.


Profile of the brothers to be part of the international fraternities in the Amazon



Premise: We know that the ideal brother does not exist, and that each of us is a “work in-progress.” Nonetheless, taking into account the proposed features of these international fraternities, we felt it was necessary to provide some guidance that would be helpful: (1) first of all, to the brothers themselves who wish to participate in this experience, so that you can make your personal discernment; (2) and, secondly, to the major superiors, who according to our Constitutions, are those that should generously send brothers to the mission, if indeed they are found suitable of undertaking such task. “The ministers shall not refuse to send those who are suitable on account of the scarcity of brothers in the province, but cast all their cares and worries on Him Who continually takes care of us.” (C. 178.3)

 


1 – he must be a brother who "by divine inspiration feels called to this missionary work” (C 178: 1), that is, who has matured this divine call through prayer and life.

2 – a brother who is attracted to our charism and wants to live and serve in the mission from our charismatic dimension. Missionary desire alone is not enough, it is necessary that one desires to be a Capuchin missionary.

3 – a brother suitable to the life of fraternity: capable of listening and dialogue, of loving and serving the brothers, healthy interpersonal relationships, and not conflictive. An individual that enjoys fraternal dynamics: local chapters, fraternal sharing. A person who is positive and flexible.

4 – a brother who desires minority. An individual that is available to undertake fraternal services, even the simplest. Someone without too many demands for comfort, commodities, food, personal items, with the capacity to positively manage the logistical limitations of the place of the mission. A person who believes that poverty is a value.    

5 – a brother who is open and attracted to our life of prayer, who understands that prayer is our priority (C. 45: 7). Someone who wants to grow in the Capuchin spiritual life. Someone without any resistance to the daily celebration of the Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours and meditation—even if he feels that he himself has to improve in his life of prayer.

6 – a brother who is optimistic and generous in our apostolic life, and willing to live it from fraternity. Someone who wants to experience fraternity as the first apostolate, capable of giving oneself in the mission, but allowing oneself to be guided by the fraternity and the Church. A brother who is open to inculturation, capable and willing to learn other languages and with a special desire to serve those in greatest need. Someone who is able to collaborate creatively in a missionary project (plan, execute and evaluate).  

7 – a brother who is willing to collaborate in the accompaniment and formation of brothers who may visit the fraternities with the intent of having an experience of fraternity and mission—preaching by the witness of his life and words.

8 – a brother who is mature (preferably between 35-55 years of age), with good physical and emotional health. Someone who, if he happens to have any health issues, they wouldn't be something that would put the fraternity in a difficult situation. Someone with the emotional stability required to be capable of living with joy the possible different situations that may occur in a mission setting.

9 – a brother who knows how to relate to his own family and external friendships in a healthy manner, without creating uncomfortable situations for the fraternity.

10 –a brother who wishes to be part of this experience for at least 6 consecutive years.

We insist that we are not looking for the perfect brother, but a brother like most brothers—who lives with joy, simplicity and availability his own Capuchin vocation and has the desire to grow and improve as much as possible. But there are some brothers who, by their own history, it is clearly perceived that they are not indicated to this experience, for they will certainly suffer much and also make others suffer.

















domenica 16 gennaio 2022

Capuchin Mission - Arunachal Pradesh - India

 

MISSION AT MONIGONG

 


1.  Monigong: Demography and Geography in Short

 

Monigong is located closer to the Indo-China border. It is a part of the Shi-Yomi District, The population is totally composed of Adi-Bokar tribe. People depend upon farming and animal husbandry as means of their livelihood.

The whole land of Monigong is thickly surrounded by mountains and valleys. Roads are cut along the edges of these mountains. With Rocky Mountains on one side and vast abyss on the other side of these narrow mountain roads, travelling becomes a risky and dangerous business always. Climate goes down to challenging depths at winter and rainy seasons. During winter, the mercury goes even below 00 C and landslides become a common phenomenon during the rainy season, making the travel even more dangerous. Apart from these, there ain’t any electricity, internet and communication facilities in the locality. The literacy rate is at pathetic low level. The nearest town that offers education facilities is located at Aalo, nearly 250 kms away and the nearest town that offers better medical facilities is located at Dibrugarh, Assam almost 500 kms away.







2.  Mission at Monigong

 


St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church is the main mission station at Monigong. It belongs to the Diocese  of  Itanagar.  Monigong  parish  has   19   village   churches   (sub-stations)   attached   to   it. The village churches are located at Namasibo, Papikrung, Simugong, Sugudom, Pullom, Didu, Manigon, Ramrung, Damsong, Karle, Talaming, Takalingtak, Komte, Pangru, Simbu, Sheeth, Jorong, Karo, Besang and Pidi. Among the above, 5 villages viz Didu, Ramrung, Komte, Pangru, and Sheeth do not even have a church at present.

Namasibo, located 15 kms away Northwards and Pidi located 30 kms away Southwards form the boundary of the Manigong parish territory. Therefore, a total stretch of 45 kms exists between the Northern and Southern tips of the parish territory. The parish community consists of 85 families and the other villages communities together consist of 130 families, altogether 225 families.

It is just 25 years since Good News reached the land of Monigong and therefore people are fresh to the faith. Remarkably, village church at Karo recently celebrated the silver jubilee and Manigong parish awaits the silver jubilee celebration in the coming year.


3.   Capuchin Mission at Monigong

 


Capuchin brothers are entrusted with the Monigong mission from 2018 onwards by the Diocese of Itanagar. Amidst the challenging situations, with no electricity, transportation and communication facilities and the challenging climate, capuchins friars are actively involved in the pastoral ministries in the parish and the village churches.

‘Gospel touring’ is the important mean of faith proclamation in the villages. Friars go for ‘gospel touring’ often by walk, which requires three to six hours of walking to reach the villages. A single ‘gospel touring’ that covers all the village churches normally consists of one month.

Friars reach out to the people in their needs, especially to pray for the sick, which has turned out to become an important way of evangelization in the area! By the grace of God, many are joining the Catholic Church from various denominations and other belief groups. Remarkably, at Sheeth, a whole Baptist village joined the Catholic Church recently and became one of the latest village churches to adjoin the mission!


Lovingly  
Fr. Yesudas P Joseph OFM cap Guardian, Capuchin Mission Monigong  









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