Shillong, March 30: Apostolic Nuncio(Vatican diplomat) to India and Nepal Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli has expressed concern over drug addiction, alcoholism and prostitution affecting the faithful of Archdiocese of Shillong.
Addressing the gathering after the episcopal ordination of Fr Bernard Laloo at Calvary ground, part of Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Laitumkhrah, on Sunday, the Vatican representative narrated the challenges the auxiliary Bishop has to face as he assumes office.
“We have a good number of priests, nuns, religious persons and faithful, we run many educational and health institutions,medical centres .We also have vibrant youth associations cooperating with the clergy.The local church is really blessed . However there are many challenges and source of
challenges like alcoholism, drug addiction and prostitution”.
According to the Archbishop, unemployment, poverty, lack of adequate health facilities and sanitation besides broken families in the Archdiocese are other concerns.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, other cabinet ministers Kyrmen Shylla and AL Hek, former Shillong MP Vincent Pala among others were present.
In this context, he said the auxiliary Bishop has the main task of building the kingdom of God fostering communion of the faithful and reaching out to them in charity.
