"Every work begun in love will always find a way to grow," writes Father Agustinus Guntoro, SCJ, General Counselor, who recently spent an extended time in the India District, which is preparing to become a Region.
Fifteen years have passed since I left India. From November 11 to 30, it felt as if life itself opened a path for me to return — or more accurately, to come home. India has always been my “second home,” a place that shaped my vocation and my identity as a missionary. Many things have changed, as they should. What touched me most was seeing so many young confreres who were once my students in formation now serving as priests. They are no longer “mustard seeds,” but “mustard plants,” ready to take part in God’s work through the Congregation and the Church, both locally and globally.
On the Way to Becoming a Region
This year, the India District is preparing to become a region — a major step toward maturity and greater responsibility within the Congregation. As in any family, a child who grows up eventually needs to stand on their own. The key question is: are they ready?
In many ways, the signs are encouraging. The district now has 110 members: 90 priests and deacons, and 20 with perpetual or temporary vows. Many have solid academic backgrounds, diverse skills, and strong personal talents. With such resources, it is fair to say they are well on their way. Of course, readiness is not only about numbers. Economic stability and personal and spiritual maturity are equally important. But like all journeys toward adulthood, trust and courage are essential. The members in India want to grow and not rely too much on others. Our support and prayers remain important as they move forward. Becoming a region should help them work more effectively and dynamically, not merely grow in size without direction.
Economically, they are taking creative initiatives: producing communion hosts for several dioceses, running a religious goods store, and developing workshops that make vestments and liturgical items. These workshops also empower women by training them from scratch — a small but meaningful contribution to the community.
A Time of Transition
Becoming a region requires stability in many areas. Formation has always been strong since the early days of SCJ mission work in India. But now they are entering a transitional phase that requires balancing formation with pastoral ministry. As their numbers grow, they are expanding into more dioceses and states.
Fifteen years ago, they had only seven communities; now there are seventeen, not including those living temporarily in parishes. From originally being in just three states, they have spread to seven: Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Goa. This is dynamic growth, and the hope is that formation — the heart of the entity — remains a priority.
Moving North
One of the most encouraging developments is their commitment to move toward North India, in line with their original Mission Statement:
“To serve in areas of India where the need of religious and priests is most urgent, especially in North India.”
This commitment deserves recognition. They now have two communities in Odisha. One community focuses on mission work, serving small rural communities and those from lower castes, with strong emphasis on education and healthcare. They have even built a small clinic and are searching for medical volunteers to serve in remote areas. The second community is a formation house for pre-seminary students preparing for minor seminary. Vocations in this region are promising, offering hope for the district’s northern mission. For now, they live in a former convent building loaned by the diocese while they search for land to build their own formation and mission houses.
Spiritual Oases
Young confreres are also developing new spiritual and renewal centers in places like Nambur, Kumbalanghy, and Arthunkal. These centers show that Dehonian ministry is not limited to parish work but includes deep spiritual accompaniment. The centers provide space for retreats, reflection, and spiritual growth — responding to the need for quiet places where people can nourish their inner lives.
One such center in Arthunkal was blessed during my visit, making the moment even more meaningful. Its establishment was not just an internal initiative; it was requested by the local bishop, who recognized the value of Dehonian spirituality, especially devotion to the Sacred Heart. Through these centers, the confreres are invited to share the tenderness and compassion of the Heart of Jesus with all who seek peace, renewal, and guidance.
Voices from the Margins
Beyond Odisha, SCJ confreres also serve in small, remote parishes in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. These are quiet places, far from city life, often with limited facilities. It is in such places that the presence of a priest feels especially close: walking along narrow paths to visit families, celebrating Mass in tiny chapels filled with hope, or simply sitting and listening to the struggles of the people.
Some of these small communities have been entrusted to the SCJ to develop from simple chapels into parish communities. This trust is significant and reflects the confidence of the local Church in the dedication of SCJ missionaries. Here, the spirit of Pater Dehon becomes visible: choosing to be present among the small, the scattered, and the often unseen — becoming companions and shepherds for those who most need spiritual care.
Conclusion: From Seeds to Shade
Looking at the India District today, I feel as though I am watching a field once planted with tiny seeds now growing into a lush garden. There are challenges, changes, and hard work — but also energy, creativity, and the courage to explore new mission territories. This visit reminded me that mission work is not about instant results. It is about staying faithful to the process: walking with the people, guiding those in formation, initiating pastoral works, and opening doors for the next generation. India, once my second home, has now become a thriving garden where the seeds planted years ago have grown into trees offering shade to many.
As I took the journey back home, one conviction stayed with me: this story is far from over. This is only the beginning of a new chapter. The young SCJ confreres in India are ready to write the next pages. We simply need to continue supporting them, praying for them, and trusting that any work begun in love will always find a way to grow.
