Northeast India’s First Indigenous Women’s Congregation Celebrates New Vocations

The Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC), Northeast India’s first indigenous women’s religious congregation, celebrated a moment of remarkable growth as young women from across India professed their religious vows in ceremonies held on December 8.

In total, 22 sisters made their final vows, while 62 young women professed their first vows, marking a vibrant sign of hope for the congregation and the mission of the Church.

Final Vows in Guwahati

At Little Flower Convent in Guwahati, Assam, Sister Christine Mynsong, Superior General of the MSMHC, received the final vows during a solemn Mass presided over by Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati.

First Vows in Shillong and Tezpur

Simultaneously, 38 young women professed their first vows at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Shillong, during a Mass presided over by Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh. Sister Maria Goretti T. Sangma, Provincial Superior of the Shillong Province, received the vows on behalf of the Superior General. In his homily, Archbishop Lyngdoh emphasized the centrality of prayer, encouraging the sisters to allow God to guide each step of their journey.

At Jyoti Bhavan, Tezpur, another 24 young women made their first profession during a Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo. Sister Asha Paul, Provincial Superior of Tezpur Province, received the vows. Bishop Toppo congratulated the newly professed for their courageous commitment, urging them to remain faithful and bear witness to Christ through their consecrated lives.

A Sign of Hope for the Church

The profession of vows by these committed young women echoes the enduring vitality of the MSMHC, the first indigenous women’s congregation founded in Northeast India. Their dedication, the congregation said, heralds “a continued dawn of hope for humanity and for the mission of the Church.”

Superior General Sister Christine Mynsong expressed profound joy at the new members, calling the day “a celebration of faith, hope, and commitment.” She prayed that the newly professed sisters would become “a transformative force of hope and a beacon of light in a world of suffering and uncertainty,” reflecting the compassionate face of Christ to the poor and the marginalized.

Recalling Mary’s example of humility and surrender, she encouraged the sisters to let their “yes” to God bring positive change and spiritual energy wherever they are sent. She also highlighted the richness the sisters bring through their diverse cultural backgrounds, talents, and gifts, calling them “priceless assets to the Church and the congregation.”

The Superior General also expressed deep gratitude to the parents of the sisters for allowing their daughters to choose “a path of selfless service and humble dedication, a path seldom chosen in today’s world of glamour and success.”

Reflections from Church Leaders

Archbishop Moolachira praised the sisters for their “boldness to follow Jesus Christ with all their hearts throughout their lives,” reminding them that they now share “the charism, the responsibility, and the dreams of the congregation.” He encouraged them to remain docile to the Holy Spirit and to pursue the ultimate goal of holiness.

Highlighting the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, he noted that Mary’s example of total surrender, “let it be done unto me according to your will,” adds profound meaning to the day’s celebrations.

Witnessing a Profound Commitment

The ceremonies drew clergy, religious, families, and faithful who gathered to witness and celebrate this significant act of consecration.

Expressing gratitude for her vocation, Sr. D. Vane Magdalene, newly professed in final vows, shared her desire “to bring healing and joy to people at the periphery and nurture hope in their hearts in times of affliction.” Sr. Junia Lalchhanchhuahi expressed her joy “to be a blessing to others through a committed life of love and service.”

Continuing a Legacy of Mission

For 83 years, the MSMHC congregation has faithfully carried forward the mission of its founder, Venerable Bishop Stephen Ferrando, the second Bishop of Shillong, Northeast India, whose vision and service laid the foundations of the Church in the region and shaped its charitable outreach.

Guided by its missionary charism, the congregation continues to serve diverse communities through pastoral work, education, social development, and charitable ministries, reaching out especially to those at the margins of society.