Bp Wilbert Marwein, Nongstoin,

Episcopal Ordination of April 16, 2023.

What will be your motto as bishop and why do you opt it?
My motto is ‘Your will be done’. I chose this motto because I was not willing to undertake the burden to be a Bishop. I grew up as a minder of cows in the countryside and now I am asked to carry the burden of being the Minder of God’s flock. When the Nuncio summoned me to Delhi and asked me to accept, I prayed and finally surrendered. I know I am not fit, but the Lord who knows everything, will make it happen.
You are a priest from the diocese, how will you explain your diocese, how many Catholics, what is the real issue at stake for the lives of the Catholics
The Diocese of Nongstoin is one the dioceses in Meghalaya and it consists of three districts: Eastern West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills Districts. It covers half of the area occupied by the Khasis. There are mixed communities living in the Diocese: Khasis, Garos, Lynngam, Nepalis and Bangladeshis. Each community speaks its own language. We have various dialects which make it difficult to communicate. But the most beautiful thing is that there is unity among the tribes and communities. We are proud of this because it reflects the common faith that binds us together. This is a strong foundation on which to build up the Diocese. There are challenges, of course. Our people are trapped in ignorance and poverty. Accordingly, Families and marriages will be the main focus of the Diocese.

How do you understand your call from your own people to lead your people?
My remote village background was such that I never had dreams to be a Bishop – not even to be a priest. Even my going to school was totally unplanned. Roaming the fields one day I met some youngsters who were going to school. They invited me to join them. I did and began my schooling at the age of 12. One thing led to another and eventually I joined seminary, more in pursuit of English than priesthood. Slowly my motivation was purified and I did become a priest and loved it. My joy was to be among the people – talking, listening, sharing. I hope to continue this practice in my new role among both priests and people.

Mission work in North Eastern is flourishing. How does the church understand the mission of Jesus Christ?
I would say that mission work is flourishing everywhere not only in the North East India if we really work in the name of Jesus, because it is in the name of Jesus we cure the sick, the blind, the deaf and the dumb. The Church is the body of Christ which means it is weak, fragile, and limited in many ways. The church with all its capacity tries its best to carry the message of Jesus to the region of North East India in many ways: bringing faith, love, charity and the sense of service to the people. Education to the young and the old; peace and tolerance in the midst of diverse tribes, cultures, languages; the good news that Christ loves all men and women with no partiality and wants them to live lives of love and service.

Today Pope Francis is speaking of Synodality and dialogical process, how do you understand your authority as a bishop?
Pope Francis wants us Priests, Bishops and lay leaders to respect one another and become a listening people. Those in authority should create an atmosphere of unity, peace and joy, sharing responsibilities in serving people without condemning others due to ignorance or failure in their lives.
My authority as a bishop is to serve people, reach out to them, listen to them, feel with them and be one with them, stand for them and not allow them to be led astray by false ideas. Our calling is to stand firm for the truth and the value of the Gospel.

You have to lead the diocese of Nongstoin which I am told has the Catholic population of 1,17,525 with, 42 priests and 105 sisters. How will you describe your diocese and the urgent pastoral concerns?
The catholic population of our diocese is now 1,64,334 with 51 priests and 110 sisters. Our resources in personnel and finance are severely limited but our priests and religious work hard and are committed to the people. Our pastoral concerns include catechising, visiting, educating, comforting, guiding, animating. Our challenge is to sow the seed, leaving conversion in God’s hands. Because development is based on education, we pay particular attention to our schools, making education free if necessary. Since children are important sources of labour in the family, parents often find it difficult to send them to school.

What is it that challenges most in the life of Jesus Christ?
Jesus’ biggest challenge was to place Law at the service of Love and Relationship. The Law is never an end in itself. He encouraged people to think bigger than themselves and to place God at the centre of their thinking. He invites people to admire what is good and true and beautiful.

How do you pray and what for?
In my life there are three types of prayer: (a) The Prayer of the Church, which is my priestly prayer for the people. (b) There is the community prayer that I share with the people at Mass, Novenas, Adoration. (c) There is my very private, personal prayer, which is one of listening and presence.