Medical Mission Sisters marks 100 years with thanksgiving

DIMAPUR — The Medical Mission Sisters (MMS), an international Apostolic Religious Congregation founded in the early 1920s by Austrian-born Sr. Dr. Anna Dengel, marked their centenary year with a thanksgiving ceremony in Chümoukedima.

According to a press release, the celebration was led by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, who was the main celebrant of the occasion.

In his address, Bishop Thoppil spoke about the contributions of the MMS in the region, highlighting their commitment to service. He said their work went beyond providing medical assistance, describing it as bringing hope, compassion, and reconciliation to people in need.

He encouraged the gathering to continue serving as a source of healing in a world challenged by conflict, addiction, and despair and reminded them of the importance of reaching out to the most vulnerable.

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The MMS, who are active in 19 nations across five continents, began their work in India in 1925 and in Nagaland in 1970. The first three members—Dr. Asha Tobin, Dr. Celina Namchu, and Dr. Marina—came at the invitation of the governor and started their service at Kohima village and Naga Hospital Authority.

Their initiatives later extended to remote villages, substance abuse treatment, and holistic health programmes, particularly through the Shalom Rehabilitation Centre in Chümoukedima, which since the 1990s has helped hundreds of people recover from addiction and alcoholism.

The Sisters noted that the centenary year is a time to express gratitude for the past, remain committed in the present, and approach the future with courage and determination. They recalled the words of their foundress, Mother Anna Dengel, who had said that they must adapt to the needs of the people rather than expect the needs to adapt to them, and that change should not be feared.