Shillong, India. The annual gathering of the Local Superiors of Northeast India Delegation took place on October 10 to 13 at the Claret Villa in Shilong with great enthusiasm and vision. Contemplating on the theme “Witnessing in the style of St. Claret” inspired the participants. An input on “Family apostolate and missionary thrust in the delegation” inspired assembly. It focused on various aspects of faith and its implications for our many ministries that we do as priests. The Resource focused on various aspects of Faith as enumerated in the Scriptures like the story of Naaman, Mathean depiction of faith, Apostle Paul and his faith etc.

It gave a basis to evaluate the various reports, presented by everyone, in their missionary life at the centres. The ministries and services that we undertake today bring big changes in the life of the people. The tireless, deeper and greater involvement in the pastoral, social, cultural, economic and educational life of the people by our missionaries have brought, increase in the number of the faithful, better education and socio economic growth in our people.

Many important matters concerning planning and growth of the delegation were discussed in this assembly. The final draft of the Education policy, the use of our existing infrastructures for education and socio-cultural programs, formation programme and degrees for the students, usage of the landed properties, guidelines for the appointment of domestic staff, regular economic evaluations by the economic council in all centres, shrewdness on accounting and auditing of all accounts due to the demands by the government, exploration of expansion to other dioceses, starting of Plus II in more schools, necessity of specializations and studies by all members etc. were discussed. The assembly concluded with and exhortation by Fr. Pius Thuruthiyil, Major Superior, to all superiors to become models as animators in the style of Jesus and our Founder.