Sr. Miriam Kallattupulattu was one of the first Indian missionaries who took part in “Project Africa” and she has been serving in Sudan for the past 25 years. At present, she is in the Provincial House of Bangalore preparing to visit her family and some FMA communities. On October 10th the Sisters of the Provincial House organised a little celebration for her to emphasise the importance of being a missionary.
Fr. Thomas Panakezham SDB, Regional Superior for Asia, celebrated the Eucharist, during which Sr. Miriam brought a lighted lamp to the altar, as a symbol of her desire to bring the light of Christ to the people of Africa.
When the first Sisters who had been chosen to go to Africa entered Sudan on August 15th 1983, the civil war was already going on and all the NGOs had been invited to leave the country. The people lived in very difficult conditions. The rebels were attacking the national army and, unfortunately, our Sisters saw many killed both because of the firing and because of famine and lack of medicine. In spite of the situation of insecurity, the missionaries continued to bring comfort to the people, especially to the women and young people. With the help of many generous people, they began a humanitarian programme of development. Of these 25 years, only the past two have been lived in peace, since the war ended in 2006.
Sr. Miriam has now been called to go to Darfur, where a genocide is taking place and where she, together with other Sisters, trusting in the help of the Lord, will fulfil their mission in the service of the most needy.
R.I.P
Sr.Gincci Eli Thomas
Born on: 0-07-1969 Professed On: 24-05-1997
Died On: 21-10-2008
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I haveremained faithful. And now the prize awaits me- the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of His return.”
(2 Tim. 4,7-8)
Yes, together with St. Paul Sr. Gincci also could say these words, because, Sr. Gincci too fought a tough fight of eleven years in her short life of 39 years.
Sr. Gincci Thomas’s departure from this life was like the return of a faithful warrior to her own country to receive a well deserved crown. We can never forget her serene face which inspired all of us from the first year of her religious life.
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