(ANS – Vatican City – September 17, 2026) – Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, Emeritus of Guwahati, recently met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, presenting him with his latest books, I Came to Set Fire Upon the Earth and Exaggeration Invites Exaggeration.

As he approaches his 90th birthday on October 22, Archbishop Menamparampil remains a prominent figure in the Church in India and beyond. His writings and peace initiatives have earned him international recognition, particularly for his tireless efforts in Northeast India.

As the founder of the Joint Peace Mission, he played a significant role in easing ethnic conflicts and facilitating dialogue between communities involved in conflict. In 2011, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his peacebuilding efforts in collaboration with the Northeast India Peace Forum.

A Prolific Author

Salesian Archbishop Menamparampil’s literary journey began with his early pastoral work, Jesus in the Villages, which established his grassroots approach to ministry in rural and tribal communities.

Over the decades, he published a wide range of influential works on missiology, culture, peacebuilding, and spirituality. Among his notable titles are A Path to Prayer (1992), The Challenge of Cultures: Cross-Cultural Relationships, Conflicts, Inculturation (1996), Thoughts on Evangelization (1997), and Cultures in the Context of Sharing the Gospel (2003). Each explores the relationship between Christian faith, cultural dynamics, and Asian missiology.

Later works, including Towards a Sense of Responsibility (2010) and the widely translated Way of the Cross / Via Crucis with Pope Benedict XVI (2010), further established his reputation as an international voice for reflection. The latter work was prepared for the Good Friday meditations at the Colosseum in Rome.

His most recent comprehensive contribution, Attempt the Impossible (2021), brings together decades of reflection on peace, culture, and spirituality, offering a lasting expression of his vision.

His writings consistently reflect his commitment to intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding, and pastoral sensitivity, all of which are central to his work as a missionary and intellectual.

Voices from Northeast India

Lay leaders and colleagues have spoken about Archbishop Menamparampil’s lasting impact.

Allen Brooks, a senior lay leader from Guwahati, recalled:

“In moments of deep ethnic tension, Archbishop Menamparampil was the one who could bring people to the table. His calm presence and ability to listen gave communities the courage to trust again.”

A youth leader from Nagaland described him as “a shepherd who walked with us when no one else dared to enter the conflict zones.”

A Khasi elder from Meghalaya added:

“He taught us that peace is not imposed but nurtured through patience and respect.”

A Legacy of Compassion

Archbishop Menamparampil’s writings continue to inspire readers through their emphasis on cultural harmony and attentive listening. His books, widely read in India and abroad, encourage readers to embrace compassion as a guiding principle of leadership.

“Archbishop Menamparampil has always believed that dialogue is stronger than division, and listening is more powerful than confrontation,” noted a Vatican observer following his meeting with the Pope.

As he approaches his 90th birthday, Archbishop Menamparampil’s legacy continues to reflect a life dedicated to dialogue, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.

By Fr. C. M. Paul, SDB