Christian Community of Northeast Enthrall the Bishops at the Cultural Parade

GUWAHATI, Assam, Mar. 02, 2010, 10.10 Hrs (CBCI News):

More than 800 people representing 72 cultural troops hailing from the fifteen dioceses of Northeast India enthralled the Bishops of India, during a cultural pageant held at the Don Bosco School grounds in Guwahati.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias described the event “a veritable feast for the eyes, minds and hearts” of the bishops of India. He thanked each of the troupes that performed at the event, and said that though the bishops were not able to travel to the whole of Northeast, the participants, most of who were young, had travelled long distances to come to Guwahati.

While appreciating the cultural richness and beauty of the region, he observed that most of the dances were deeply rooted in nature, harvest festivals, family, thanksgiving and fellowship, and not a display of conflict, rivalry, or showcasing of arms or weapons. Speaking to the youth of the region, the Cardinal appealed to them to contribute their gifts to build a peaceful Northeast India and the rest of the country.

Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, former President of the CBCI, thanked the people for the colourful and rich performance which enthralled all the bishops. He asked the young people to continue to provide inspiration, life and leadership to the young Church in India and to become agents of peace and harmony.

He released a coffee-table book tiled In His Footsteps brought out by the Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati, which showcases the varied activities and services rendered by the young Christian community in the Northeast. Cardinal Toppo presented the first copy of the book to Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. Fr.V.M.Thomas, the project coordinator, said the volume is dedicated “to the valiant men and women who have lived their yesterdays, in the footsteps of Jesus, for the people of Northeast India.”

Earlier, the chief coordinator of the CBCI General Body meeting, Fr. Varghese Kizhekevely and the host of the programme Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil welcomed the bishops to the colourful cultural pageant. The bishops were welcomed with a phulum gamocha, the traditional Assamese hand-spun garland.