0
0
Muniguda which hit the history books on 25th August 2008 for the wrong reasons of destroying the Churches and making many Christians roofless has re-entered the history books for building peace, harmony and solidarity. People of the town contributed generously to the mission of Don Bosco cutting across various religious barriers. The beautiful Church depicts the hard work of the Salesians in spreading the values of Christ in this place.
The Salesians of Don Bosco belonging to the Province of St. Joseph, Hyderabd took over the destroyed mission on the invitation of Rt. Rev. Sarat Chandra Nayak D.D., Bishop of Berhampur in February 2010. At the outset, in order to have a good rapport with the people, the Salesians under the leadership of Fr. Sony Cyriac SDB took a survey of the place. At the request of the people the Salesians started Don Bosco School, followed by vocational skill training programme for the BBL youth. Soon there was life in the campus with the presence of many BPL youth doing industrial training free of cost. Salesians won the hearts of the people with their tireless service. It was indeed a real building of the Church. Hindu parents themselves requested the Salesians to start the Church construction before doing other constructions. It was like the call of St. Francis of Assisi who was asked by the Lord himself to rebuild the ruined Church of Assisi. Many people of the town also contributed for the same.
13th and 14th December, 2012 saw a meaningful celebration in the Church campus. Rt. Rev. Dr. Sarat Chandra Nayak blessed the Church. The various religious leaders of Muniguda along with the bishop opened the main Church door marking a new beginning. Rev. Fr. Raminedi Balaraju sdb, Provincial of the province of St. Joseph, Hyderabad blessed the statue of Mother Mary. Holy Eucharist was concelebrated by about 30 priests coming from different dioceses of Berhampur, Cuttack Bubaneshwar and Andhra Pradesh. Faithful from the neighbouring parishes of Chandrapur, Bawanipatna, Rayagada and Gunupur were present in large numbers for the Holy Eucharist along with nuns from various congregations. Special prayers were offered for the people who supported this project.
The People of Muniguda gathered around the Church campus on 14th December at 4pm for the Inter-religious Christmas celebration. Mr. Hans Raj Mishra, a Hindu Samaj leader who goes around promoting peace and harmony gave the message. Dr. Johny, working at Christian Hospital, Mr. Tapan Kumar, Thasildar of Muniguda, Mr. Hamid, Representative of Brahma Kumaris, Fr. Clement Bagsingh from the diocese of Bubaneshwar shared their thoughts on religion harmony. The children of Don Bosco School danced for a Christmas tune. The Don Bosco aspirants too added meaning and colour to the programme through Christmas Carols and skit. The people of the town appreciated the work of the Salesians. It is truly a new beginning for Muniguda. May God almighty and Blessed Mother lead this mission through love, peace and joy.
Fr Thomas Aquinas
