Diocese: Itanagar
Pioneers: Sisters Salomi Rongmei and Catherine Neiketuonuo Thakro
In recounting the history of Assisi Bhavan, the first house of the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters in the State of Arunachal Pradesh, they had wished that God would help them to discern his will and venture into many more regions of the State where the message of Christ has not yet been brought. An opportunity arrived at their doorway when the Jesuits invited them to extend their services at Balukpong under Palizi parish. The Sisters had been already collaborating with the Jesuits in several parts of North-East India namely, Meluri, Chizami, Pfutsero in Nagaland, Liyai in Manipur, Hulubro in Arunachal Pradesh. The Sisters took this as a great blessing in the year of the Post-Centenary Silver Jubilee of the foundation of the Congregation and a token of love to our Founder Fr Urban Stein who was indeed missionary at heart and in his deeds. A second house in Arunachal Pradesh is certainly a source of a moral support to Sisters working at Hulubro, one hundred kilometres
to the south of Balukpong. The pioneers arrived at Balukpong on June19, 2012 along with Sr Milly Fernandes, Provincial Superior, and Sisters Jyothsna D’Souza, Rosin Noronha and Juliana Pereira, Provincial Councillors. The mission took birth on June 20, when Rev Fr Hector D’Souza SJ, blessed the temporary house and celebrated the Eucharist along with three other fellow Jesuits and the two Sisters of Hulubro community, Sr Florence and Sr Martha Kunkal.
Balukpong is an entry point to East Arunachal Pradesh. It has a small group of Catholic population. From Balukpong, the Sisters envision reaching out to various tribes like Monpas, Mijis, Sherdukpens and Akas. The Jesuits have purchased a piece of land in Balukpong with a view to starting a school; they have purchased a house at Tippi for the purpose of transit which is five kilometres south of Balukpong. Sisters Salomi Rongmei and Catherine Neiketuonuo Thakro have been given this house for residence on temporary basis.
The Sisters showed that they meant business right from the day of their arrival at Balukpong. They engaged themselves in family visits, catechising, praying with people and coaching children. Their ministry has been bearing fruit rapidly. People have been positively responding to the great efforts put in by the Sisters. Spiritual exercises such as participation in Sunday Eucharist, regular reception of the sacraments and family prayer are becoming an integral part of their life of faith.
The two young missionaries at the place are full of zeal for God and God’s people. This aspect guarantees hope for a vibrant Church in the eastern-most part of Arunachal Pradesh.
