How a 30-Year Family Feud Was Healed Through Prayer and a BEC Gathering

Meghalaya, May 26, 2026: Jowai town, the district headquarters of West Jaintia Hill District in Meghalaya, lies about 66 kilometres east of Shillong, the state capital. The district is mainly inhabited by the Jaintia tribe, also known as Pnars, along with other tribes such as Wars, Bhois, and Biates. While most people are Christians, followers of traditional religion also live in the region.

St. Theresa’s Shrine Cathedral Parish, Jowai, is known for its active parish life where Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) take a leading role. Members regularly gather for Gospel sharing and prayer, nurturing faith while also supporting people in need.

Among the many stories connected to the parish, one incident continues to stand out — a reconciliation that ended a conflict between two neighbouring families after thirty years.

A Conflict That Divided Two Families

The two neighbouring families of Mrs. Judith and Mrs. Veronica (names changed) were involved in a long-standing land boundary dispute. The conflict continued for years and completely separated them, even though their houses overlooked each other.

They rarely attended religious ceremonies or Sunday services together. If Mrs. Veronica attended, Mrs. Judith stayed away, and vice versa. Even places of worship could not bring peace between them.

The local Church Block Committee tried repeatedly to reconcile the families, but all efforts failed. Men and women associations also attempted to restore peace, yet nothing changed. Whenever the families met, arguments broke out with shouting and name-calling, spreading gloom throughout the Christian neighbourhood.

The local headman also tried to bring both parties to a peaceful settlement, but he was unsuccessful. The matter was later taken up by the village council, which ordered both families to appear before the Dorbar Shnong (Village Council). However, if Mrs. Judith appeared, Mrs. Veronica remained absent, and if Mrs. Veronica attended, Mrs. Judith stayed away. Because of this, even the elders of the Village Council could not arrive at any decision.

The Prayer Gathering That Changed Everything

One day during a gathering, BEC members decided that they should intervene and try to change the hearts and minds of the two families. They began speaking to them individually about Gospel Sharing and slowly invited them separately to BEC gatherings.

Gradually, both families began attending prayer gatherings, though never together.

When the first anniversary of the BEC was planned, members organised a larger gathering that included Gospel Sharing followed by a fellowship meal. Special invitations were given to Mrs. Judith and Mrs. Veronica along with other Catholic families, and both families promised to attend.

The Gospel Sharing that day was led by two diocesan BEC facilitators who explained the Seven Steps of Gospel Sharing.

During the sharing, the BEC leader offered a special prayer for families who were hurt, had hurt others, and were unable to forgive or reconcile.

As the prayer concluded, two women in different corners of the gathering suddenly began crying aloud.

To everyone’s surprise, they were Mrs. Judith and Mrs. Veronica.

Unable to hold back their emotions after thirty years of conflict, both women rushed towards each other. Embracing one another, they asked for forgiveness.

The entire gathering witnessed the emotional reconciliation and began praising God for the healing that had taken place.

Today, the two reconciled families stand as witnesses to God working through His Word. They have now become active BEC facilitators in the parish.

By Catholic Connect Reporter