Virginie Nilaya

Address

VirginieNilaya,
Franciscan servants of Mary ,
Salbari,KhagarpurP.O.
Bongaigaon Dt.,
Assam – 783383

Mobile (0) 9577851448
E-mail: virginienilaya@gmail.com

No of Religious : 5

Services

The FSM responded to an invitation of OFM Fathers during the Platinum Jubilee of Indian Mission. The province of Bnaglore took courage to answer the call. The Assam mission is placed in the hands of four of our sisters – Srs. Andrea, the anomator, Helen D’Souza, Priyadharshini and Ruth Dias. There was Special Mass and prayer service to mark their departure to the new mission. Sr. Miriam (Provincial) gave them a missionary cross and the letter of obedience. The sisters from all our communities expressed their oneness and solidarity and concern for them. Everything reminded them how they need to bring light to the hearts of the people by the acts of compassion.

They travelled by train on 13th September 2009 from Bangalore to Chennai. After a halt at Chennai on 14th, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, they continued their journey to Assam. On 17th morning, on the Feast of Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi, they landed in Assam – Bongaigaon. our OFM Fathers and Brothers were at station to welcome them and to reach them home. They were happy and contented to begin their mission in a rented house.

The parishioners, school children and boarding children welcomed them in a traditional way with CUMCHA – (Towel) followed by a cultural programme.

Rev. Bishop Thomas Pullopillil welcomed them to his diocese and gave them few instructions to be in the mission. After the welcome and short visits to the people and place, they arranged their home as Marie Virginie did in her first attic. Generally, Assamese are very friendly to live with and they show respect to missionaries. There are different types of tribes and each has their own uniqueness in language and life style.
At present sisters are in educational, medical and pastoral field with the Franciscan Fathers.