Most Rev. Bishop George Palliparampil, SDB, Bishop of Miao Diocese, celebrated the Holy Mass at the Provincial House, Guwahati, on the morning of 17^th October 2025. The celebration coincided with the feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch, and was attended by Salesians and priests participating in the Parish Priests’ Animation and Meeting.

At the start of the celebration, Bishop Palliparampil fondly recalled his younger days before the division of the then Province of Dimapur. “I remember this house. At that time, the Provincial House was small, and this was the place where we always longed to come during our holidays,” he shared with warmth and nostalgia.

Preaching his homily, the Bishop reflected on the life of St. Ignatius of Antioch and the day’s Gospel from St. Luke. He drew a powerful contrast between the early missionaries, who travelled the length and breadth of Northeast India ready to face hardships and even death for the sake of the Kingdom of God, and today’s missionaries who often seek comfort and convenience.

“Today’s priests are eager to return to the presbytery instead of meeting the people,” he remarked, urging the clergy to rekindle the missionary spirit that characterized the pioneers of the region.

Bishop Palliparampil further emphasized the need for authenticity and transparency in Christian living. Drawing attention to the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, he reminded the faithful that followers of Jesus must practice what they profess. He invited everyone present to live transparent and sincere religious lives and to continue zealously doing God’s work in the spirit of Don Bosco.