sr. Benigna Menezes*

Great celebrations in Eluru for the opening of the year dedicated to the PIME founder. The local bishop, Msgr. Maipan, recalls his life "worthy of a saint" and urges the faithful to be "true disciples" of the founding father of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions. The delivery of the crucifix to a young Indian, who is leaving for Papua New Guinea, "demonstrates the PIME vocation which is increasingly an expression of the missionary will of the local churches."

The prelate led the diocese of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh for 10 years. At his farewell Mass, he invited the faithful to thank God for the decade of peace and growth. Among his merits he promoted interfaith harmony and encouraged the education of Catholic youth, with particular attention to the poor.

These are the objectives raised in Congress about mission in Andhra Pradesh (8-10 May) in Vijayawada. To foster collaboration between religious and state, 2 thousand priests and 6 thousand nuns and brothers participate in government programs and seminars to help the weaker classes of society.