Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma honored the history of Christian missionaries during the Episcopal Silver Jubilee celebration of Cardinal Cleemis in Trivandrum, Kerala, on Saturday. Sangma credited missionaries for building essential schools and healthcare centers when government infrastructure was non-existent. The Church served the people selflessly.
Sangma drew a direct line from missionary education to his late father, PA Sangma, the former Lok Sabha Speaker. He cited the Golden Rule from Matthew 7:12 as a cornerstone for current governance in Meghalaya. "The principle of serving humanity and treating others with compassion continued to guide governance in Meghalaya," Sangma stated during the ceremony.
The Chief Minister recognized Cardinal Cleemis for 25 years of service to the poor. He thanked Kerala for sending priests and sisters to Meghalaya, specifically noting the work of Auxiliary Bishop CJ Jose and Sister Rose Paindapally. Sister Paindapally has worked in the remote Garo Hills for over 40 years.
Dignitaries crowded the event. Attendees included Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, Union Minister Suresh Gopi, and MP Shashi Tharoor. Religious leaders like Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Most Rev. Dr Varghese Chakkalakal, Dr Joseph Mar Divannasios, and Patriarch Ignatius Youssef III Younan of Lebanon also participated. Sangma first bonded with the Cardinal at the Vatican during St. Mother Teresa's canonization.
Comments