On 11th Sept. 2023, the bishops of northeast region along with many fathers paid a floral tribute to Venerable Stephen Ferrando, the Founder of MSMHC in Guwahati, at the Generalate, to highlight the centenary year of his priestly ordination and his arrival to India. The event was marked with a solemn eucharistic celebration at 5.00 pm. At the beginning of the Mass, Sr. Dominica Kasho presented a short life sketch and mission of Bishop Ferrando. In his homily, the Archbishop said that St. Paul was a great apostle; his untiring labour endeared him to found a number of Christian communities all over. Today we build on what he and other apostles founded, and on the foundation laid by Ven. Stephen Ferrando, Bishop Marengo and many others. We stand tall on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.  The early missionaries, especially Ven. Stephen Ferrando was somebody contrary to the soft generation. In his days the diocese of Shillong practically covered the whole of North East India, an are now covered by 15 dioceses. It is mind boggling to imagine the immensity of work that required his attention. He toured this vast region, provided pastoral care to the people and brought many to Christ. He stands tall among the missionaries and bacons us men and women to be persons of substance and continue the path he had trodden.
He continued to say that “We are appreciative of all the work you (MSMHC) are doing all over especially in the North East region. May your consecrated life and work bear much fruit for the Lord, we want to assure you that we are with you.”
After the solemn Eucharistic celebration, Sr. Philomena Mathew, the superior general, general councilors, provincials, provincial economers, Hatigaon sisters and the novices from Ferrando provincial house welcomed the bishops with a traditional Phulan gamusa and with a taken of appreciation for their allegiance and collaboration. The event ended with a sumptuous dinner. The bishops then proceeded to Shillong by 7.00 pm. Once again it was the joy of Hatigaon community to celebrate together. Thus, we were blessed to have all the bishops of Northeast.