Last June 10, the Vicariate of India, celebrated the inauguration of the Jubilee in the minor seminary of St. Augustine in Edacochin. The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by the Regional Vicar, Fr. Wilson Injarapu, brought together the Augustinian community in the southwest of the Asian country where Catholics have a large representation - 25% of the baptised population - in relation to the minority - not infrequently persecuted - that they represent in comparison with the rest of the confessions that populate the Hindu country.
In this aspect, the presence of the Augustinians in the territory through their apostolic works and houses of formation is, as Fr. Alejandro pointed out only a few days ago in relation to the new vocations that are flourishing in Africa and Asia, "a reason for hope".
"It was a very special occasion to meet with our brothers and sisters, other religious and lay people. We are eager to take forward initiatives that will highlight the role of the Augustinians in India", Fr. Wilson tells us from Lisbon.
After weeks of meetings, the commission in charge of the events of this jubilee year presented the logo, the hymn and the prayer; as well as materials on what is behind these 450 years of history since the first Portuguese missionaries landed with the Gospel and the figure of the bishop of Hippo in Indian lands.
Two of the most outstanding events for the coming dates, as Fr. Wilson can tell us, is the symposium in Portuguese on the Augustinian history in India which will take place in the city of Aluva on the 28th of September of this year.
Two months later, on 26 November, also in Aluva, the Jubilee will be closed with "a celebration to match", Fr. Wilson points out.