MSMHC Celebrates 84 New Religious Professions Across Northeast India

Guwahati, 10 December 2025 — A moment of growth and renewal unfolded for the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC), Northeast India’s first indigenous women’s congregation, as 22 sisters made their final vows and 62 professed their first vows in ceremonies held across Guwahati, Shillong and Tezpur. 

At Little Flower Convent in Guwahati, Superior General Sr. Christine Mynsong received the final vows during a solemn Mass presided over by Archbishop John Moolachira of the Archdiocese of Guwahati. Simultaneously in Shillong, 38 young women made their first profession at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians in a ceremony led by Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh, with Sr. Maria Gorretti T. Sangma, Provincial Superior of the Shillong Province, receiving their vows. The Archbishop encouraged the young sisters to root their lives in prayer and to allow God to guide every step of their vocation. 

At Jyoti Bhavan, Tezpur, 24 sisters professed their first vows during a Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo. Sr. Asha Paul, Provincial Superior of the Tezpur Province, received the vows on behalf of the Superior General. Bishop Toppo commended the sisters for their courageous commitment, urging them to bear witness to Christ and remain faithful to the mission entrusted to them. 

By embracing their vows of consecrated life in the MSMHC congregation, these young women signalled a renewed dawn of hope for the Church’s mission. Overjoyed by the expansion of the congregation, the Superior General described the day as a celebration of “faith, hope and commitment.” She expressed her desire that the newly professed become “a transformative force of hope and a beacon of light” to a world in need, reflecting the compassion of Jesus through their service to the poor and marginalised. She also highlighted the diverse cultural backgrounds and talents of the new members as invaluable contributions to the Church and society. 

The Superior General extended heartfelt appreciation to the parents of the newly professed, acknowledging the generosity with which they allowed their daughters to choose “a path less travelled” in the pursuit of selfless service. Archbishop Moolachira, applauding the sisters for their “boldness to follow Jesus Christ,” reminded them that their vocation calls them to holiness and deeper imitation of Mary, whose feast of the Immaculate Conception added profound significance to the occasion. 

Family members, clergy, religious and faithful gathered in large numbers across the three venues to witness and celebrate the sisters’ commitments. The newly professed expressed gratitude for their calling, with Sr. D. Vane Magdalene hoping to “bring healing and joy to people at the periphery,” and Sr Junia Lalchhanchhuahi aspiring “to be a blessing to others through a committed life of love and service.”

Founded 83 years ago by Venerable Bishop Stephen Ferrando, the MSMHC congregation continues to serve across diverse cultural contexts, carrying forward its mission through social, pastoral, educational, developmental and charitable ministries.

By Fr. Kampan Chinnam