Archbishop of Guwahati Thomas Menamparampil has been nominated for
the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts to bring peace among
ethnic communities of the North East.
He also became the first Indian
Bishop to have composed the Vatican’s Good Friday prayers.
Pope Benedict XVI used these prayers for the “Way of the Cross” at Vatican on Good Friday.
“I had not expected the nomination, but was overwhelmed by it. I was told about the possibility of such a development during my visit to Rome last month,” Menamparampil said.
“The award does not matter while carrying out peace initiatives. I
will continue my mission for peace irrespective of whether I get any
recognition or award. The need of the hour is adopting a
non-confrontational attitude, tolerance and respect for each other for
lasting peace in society,” the Archbishop said.
The Archbishop’s name has been nominated by a popular Italian magazine ‘Il Bollettino Salesiano’ which also published a four-page story on Menamparampil in its June edition titled ‘A Bishop for Nobel Prize’.
Tracing the growth of Salasians he says ,”When the first Salesian missionaries arrived in Assam led by Archbishop Louis Mathias, Catholics were less than 5000. Today there are a million and a half, and their number is still increasing. Any visitor goes to the North East is above all impressed by faith, enthusiasm, warmth, dynamism, by the good relationships that prevail in the nation. All of this has anything to do with the sociable nature of Salesian missionaries who work there and became part of the nature of the Church in the region.
On a national level, the Salesians have made an important
contribution to the field of education and social development. Their
work with street children surprised the nation. In addition, the
Salesians are working in the field of spiritual direction, with the
preaching of retreats, the publication of books and periodicals on
various interventions. Many bishops are involved in committees at
regional and national levels. Some have made contributions to the
creative mind of the Church.”
On the aspirations of young Indians he states,”The Church must become
part of the Indian drama that is unfolding. It seems that the Indian
economy is to grow at an impressive rate. While the number of Indian
billionaires is growing, the poor are growing in number too. Many of our
Christian communities are born out of small spaces. Is there some way
to go before they become completely self-sufficient. The service of
education that the Salesians have wherever they operate has been an
important contribution to the construction of the destinies of the
nation. The training we offer young people should not only make them
competent and efficient, but also form their conscience and give them
good principles. The faith we sow in their hearts should not only
consist of devotions, but also a firm commitment for the good of society
and construction processes for all of human history” said the
Archbishop.