The Province of North East India was filled with joy on 4 October as three of its seminarians made their Final Professions following the Province’s annual retreat in Shillong: Mr. Akhsi Kumar Wary, C.S.C., Mr. Eldho Augustine, C.S.C., and Mr. Tarshish Marak, C.S.C.

Fr. K.J. Abraham, C.S.C., Superior of the Province of North East India, presided at the Mass and received the seminarians’ Final Vows. The theme of the celebration was: “Called, Blessed, and Sent”.

Both the Mass and the festive celebration that followed were graced by a large assembly of Holy Cross confreres, family members, and friends.

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The following day, 5 October, all three were ordained to the deaconate by Most Rev. Bernard Laloo, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Shillong. The Ordination Mass took place at St. Dominic Savio Parish, Shillong, which is administered by the Congregation. Among the concelebrants was Most Rev. Salvadore Lobo, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Baruipur. Once again, there was a great crowd of Holy Cross confreres, family members, and friends in attendance.

Deacon Tarsish Marak, C.S.C., is a native of Tripura in India. He took First Vows on 25 May 2019. Tarsish holds a Bachelor’s degree in both philosophy and theology from Jnana Deepa Institute of Philosophy and Theology. He has had many experiences of ministry, including serving at the Missionary of Charity Sisters' house for the sick and dying and teaching catechism, and visiting the elderly at Holy Cross parish in Meghalaya. Tarsish said, “These ministries have taught me to be compassionate towards people in need.” Described by his formators as “a prayerful person who has a sense of the sacred,” Tarsish has a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and to the Eucharist. He is fluent in English, Bengali and Hindi.

Deacon Eldho Augustine, C.S.C., hails from Taliparamba, Kerala, India. He pronounced First Vows on 28 May 2018. Eldho is a community-oriented person who “has a realistic and mature understanding of the evangelical counsels.” His love for the Blessed Mother is manifested in his devotion to praying the rosary. Eldho holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Tripura and a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy and theology from Jnana Deepa Institute in Pune. He served in Jongksha Parish and other Centers teaching catechism, organizing programs for the youth, and assisting in the formation house. Eldho writes, “All ministry experiences have helped me to grow in love with the mission and charism of Holy Cross.”

Learn more about the ministries of Holy Cross in India

Deacon Akhsi Kumar Wary, C.S.C., comes from Boscobari, Assam, in India. He professed First Vows on 28 May 2018. Akhsi had a ministry experience at St. André Parish in Budhjungnargar. He conducted prayer services, visited families, and was in charge of the boys’ hostel. Based on his encounter with deaf and mute children, Akhsi writes, “This experience taught me to be grateful to God for what I have and the gifts I have and make use of them for the service of humanity.” Akhsi graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tripura. He also earned another bachelor’s in philosophy and theology from Jnana Deepa Institute in Pune. Akhsi speaks English, Hindi, and Bodo. He brings his skills in organization to bear through organizing various activities for his community.