As we condole the death of Fr Stan Swamy and as we join hands with others in expressing our solidarity with the family, the Jesuit order, the Church and the tribal people for whom Fr Stan Swamy gave his heart and soul, we in the North East India Christian Council (NEICC) cannot but thank God for the life, witness and ministry of this man who stood by the principles that he derived from the teachings of Jesus Christ till his last breath.
Though we are deeply anguished by the circumstances surrounding his death, yet we stand to pay tribute to this great soul by celebrating his life which was fully lived to usher in God’s Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven by providing hope and meaning to the hopeless and helpless. We celebrate his life which continues to inspire and motivate us and many who are in as well as outside the fold of Christianity.
As the North East India Christian Council, we will continue to strive and carry on the legacy and task left by him and we will also call upon others to join us.
The life and ministry of Fr Stan Swamy reminds us of the words of St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:55 which say “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, Oh death is your sting?”
In the demise of Fr Stan Swamy, we see that death is not defeat or the end but it is hope and victory to usher in a new world with the help of God in Jesus Christ.
“Well done, good and trustworthy servant, you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23).
