Benedictine Sisters Celebrate Historic Feast in Dibrugarh

Dibrugarh, July 12, 2025: For the first time in the Diocese of Dibrugarh, the feast of St. Benedict of Nursia was celebrated with joy and devotion on 11 July 2025 at St. Joseph’s Priests’ Home, Dibrugarh. The occasion drew around thirty people, including ten concelebrating priests, and was graced by the presence of two Benedictine nuns, Sr. Vincy and Sr. Sincy.

Fr. William Horo, Rector of St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration. In his homily, he described St. Benedict as “the greatest saint of the 6th century, who could work miracles even before entering heaven.” He highlighted the saint’s enduring influence as the patron of Europe and the founder of Western monasticism, whose Rule continues to inspire numerous religious orders and congregations.

Representing Bishop Albert Hemrom, who was unable to attend, Fr. Philip Purty, the diocese’s financial administrator, welcomed the congregation at the start of Mass and expressed gratitude for their presence and participation.

Following the Mass, a brief felicitation programme honoured the Benedictine nuns, who dedicate themselves to caring for the nine senior priests residing at the clergy home, which was established in 2014. The celebration featured festive songs, and the sisters were presented with traditional Assamese shawls in recognition of their service and commitment.

Speaking on the occasion, Sr. Sincy said, “We feel very welcomed and at home in this place, though it is our first community in the North East and our sisters are far away in Makkiard, Kerala. Today we are happy to introduce ourselves to so many priests and sisters who have turned up to celebrate with us the feast of our saint Benedict.” She also thanked Fr. Philip Purty for organising the celebration and expressed her gratitude to all who attended and prayed for them.

Sr. Vincy and Sr. Sincy belong to the Benedictine Sisters of Grace and Compassion, an order founded in 1959 in Brighton, London, by Mary Sunniva Garson to care for the elderly and those in need. The order’s Indian province is based in Makkiard, Kerala, and Dibrugarh marks their first house in Northeast India. Fr. Philip conveyed the diocese’s appreciation for the sisters, who arrived in Dibrugarh last June and began their ministry at the Clergy Home.

The event concluded with a festive community meal, fostering a spirit of unity and joy among all who attended.

By Fr. William Horo

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