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Archbishop of Guwahati Thomas Menamparampil has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts to bring peace among ethnic communities of the North East. He also became the first Indian Bishop to have composed the Vatican’s Good Friday prayers. Pope Benedict XVI used these prayers for the “Way of the Cross” at Vatican on Good Friday.
“I had not expected the nomination, but was overwhelmed by it. I was told about the possibility of such a development during my visit to Rome last month,” Menamparampil said here today.
“The award does not matter while carrying out peace initiatives. I will continue my mission for peace irrespective of whether I get any recognition or award. The need of the hour is adopting a non-confrontational attitude, tolerance and respect for each other for lasting peace in society,” the Archbishop said.
The Archbishop’s name has been nominated by a popular Italian magazine ‘Il Bollettino Salesiano’ which also published a four-page story on Menamparampil in its June edition titled ‘A Bishop for Nobel Prize’.

Tracing the growth of  Salasians he says ,”When the first Salesian missionaries arrived in Assam led by Archbishop Louis Mathias, Catholics were less than 5000. Today there are a million and a half, and their number is still increasing. Any visitor goes to the North East is above all impressed by faith, enthusiasm, warmth, dynamism, by the good relationships that prevail in the nation. All of this has anything to do with the sociable nature of Salesian missionaries who work there and became part of the nature of the Church in the region.
On a national level, the Salesians have made an important contribution to the field of education and social development. Their work with street children surprised the nation. In addition, the Salesians are working in the field of spiritual direction, with the preaching of retreats, the publication of books and periodicals on various interventions. Many bishops are involved in committees at regional and national levels. Some have made contributions to the creative mind of the Church.”
On the aspirations of young Indians he states,”The Church must become part of the Indian drama that is unfolding. It seems that the Indian economy is to grow at an impressive rate. While the number of Indian billionaires is growing, the poor are growing in number too. Many of our Christian communities are born out of small spaces. Is there some way to go before they become completely self-sufficient. The service of education that the Salesians have wherever they operate has been an important contribution to the construction of the destinies of the nation. The training we offer young people should not only make them competent and efficient, but also form their conscience and give them good principles. The faith we sow in their hearts should not only consist of devotions, but also a firm commitment for the good of society and construction processes for all of human history” said the Archbishop.Malayalam

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