Northeast India’s first women’s congregation marked a significant milestone with the final and first religious vows of 110 young women from various ethnic groups of India. The ceremonies were held on December 7 and 8 at Little Flower Convent in Guwahati, Assam, and St. Stephen Convent in Tinsukia, with Masses officiated by Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati and Bishop Albert Hemrom of Dibrugarh, respectively.
During the ceremonies, 44 women professed their final vows, while 66 made their first vows, committing to a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians. Sister Christine Mynsong, the Congregation’s Superior General, received the vows in Guwahati, while Sister Ancy Varghese, Provincial Superior of Tinsukia, received the vows in Tinsukia.
The Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians is the first women’s congregation founded in Northeast India, dedicated to serving marginalized communities through education, pastoral, social, and charitable work. The newly professed sisters vowed to share in the charism and mission of the congregation, helping others in the spirit of selfless love.
Sister Christine, congratulated the sisters for their commitment. “Through their first and final vows, they have taken a significant step in their faith journey,” she said. “These ceremonies mark a lifelong commitment to God, the Church, and humanity.”
She emphasized that the newly professed are the future of the congregation, and their selfless service would continue to strengthen the mission of the Congregation.
Archbishop Moolachira, speaking at the Mass in Guwahati, described religious profession as “an act of faith” and a “landmark in the life of a person.” He congratulated the young nuns for rejecting worldly allurements and committing to a life of prayer, sacrifice, and service.
“The religious habit and cross you receive today symbolize your dedication to a life of service, following Christ’s example of love and care for others,” he said.
The ceremonies, held on the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, also served as a reminder to the newly professed sisters to follow the holy example of Mary.
Among the newly professed, Sister Josephine Zonunpari shared her thoughts on the religious life.
“Living a life of prayer and service gives meaning and purpose to my life,” she said. “What is life with all its beauty and vigour, if it’s not for love and service!”
Sister Ibanisha Myrthong, another new nun, expressed her desire to live a life centered on God. “Religious life can offer a purposeful and meaningful existence with God at the center of my life,” she said. Sister Sujata Dhodrai, excited about her first profession, described it as a dream come true. This is “The beginning of a journey towards realization of my mission of being a blessing to others in total commitment to God and service.”
Founded in 1942 by Salesian Bishop Stephen Ferrando, the Congregation now has over 1,400 members belonging to different ethnic groups serving in India and abroad, focusing on the empowerment of women, children, and marginalized communities.
