By Sr. Dr. Teresa Joseph, FMA –
The Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC) founded by Bishop Stephen Ferrando, SDB, the Bishop of Shillong, are well known as ‘Touring Sisters.’ Sr. Teresa Joseph, FMA had a friendly chat with Sr. Carmella Tirkey who is a Touring Sister. With 15 years of teaching experience in various Schools of Tripura, Assam, Garo Hills, Tinsukiya and Sonapur, this year Sr. Carmela is totally dedicated to pastoral ministry as touring Sister. Her teaching ministry brought her in close contact with teachers, students and parents and her present work connects her with people of every age.
When Sr. Mary Thdavanal, her Provincial requested her to take up the Touring Sisters Ministry, Sr. Carmela said her whole hearted yes to be 10 days a month in community and to be in the villages the remaining days of the month. She is fortunate to be with Sr. Vimala Rangha who has more than 20 years of experience as Touring Sister. The Sisters move from one village to another communicating the Good News of Jesus. They visit each family in the village, pray with them in the evening and have Rosary, Prayer Service, Talk etc. They keep the Parish Priest informed of the Pastoral needs. “I am getting to know the people and am happy to serve them,” said Sr. Carmella. “There are many people in the interior places who want to know about Jesus and I am glad to take the Good News to the people,” she added.
Speaking of the Village Tours, Article 75 of the Constitutions of MSMHC states: “We like Jesus the itinerant preacher go from village to village with the Good News of Salvation to all. In keeping with the wish of our Founder, the example of our Pioneer Sisters and our traditions we regularly undertake organized tours in the villages and rural areas and stay with the people, with the specific purpose of mission ad gentes and catechetical instruction.”
Elaborating further she added, “Through these visits, we come in close contact with the people and tour among them to have a better understanding of the life and struggles of the people in order to lead them to fullness of life.”
With her strong conviction, Sr. Carmella affirmed: Bishop Stephen Ferrando wanted the Sisters to be Touring Sisters, for this purpose he founded the MSMHC Congregation. In each community there are two Touring Sisters. The Sisters take care of the girl child and the woman. House visits are an essential part of the charism and mission of the Sisters.
Article 90 of the Regulations of MSMHC speaks on how Village tours are “planned in the community and carried out in consultation with the parish Priest. It is a period of intense religious instruction and prayer experience.”
The Sisters work as a team with the Priests, Catechists and Laity, their life and apostolic activities are to show clearly the love and compassion of the Heavenly Father. Bishop Ferrando often used to say: “Our Congregation is Salesian in spirit and style.”