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| Fr. Francis Jordan, Founder of the S.D.S. |
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| The Old Cathedral (Church of the Divine Saviour) before the devastating inferno |
Everything seemed to sailing smoothly and mission work was progressing at a fast pace, until mother nature wrought havoc in the form of a high intensity tremor on June 12th, 1897. This was a severe blow to the missionaries as their work was at an infant stage. Churches, mission houses, schools and others concrete structures could not withstand the fury of nature. Nothing stood erect after the tremor. But, even the tremor failed to deter the evangelical enthusiasm of the missionaries. The missionaries suffered no aftershocks. The appointment of Mgr. Christopher Becker, as the Prefect Apostolic of Assam on January 9th, 1906 helped them to bury the past and look forward to a future full of promises. The Construction of the new mission house began on November 23rd, 1911, was solemnly blessed on April 6th, 1913 and was named 'The Church of The Divine Saviour.' After the tremor of 1897, it's now the turn of a raging inferno to inflict destruction. It's was on the fateful Good Friday of April 10th, 1936 that the flames licked every part of the church and burnt it to ashes. Despite being tested to the hilt, the missionaries held on to their spirit of perseverance.
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| Shillong after the earthquake |
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Nothing stood erect after the earthquake
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| All Saints Cathedral before and after the earthquake |
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| Iewduh before and after the earthquake |
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| Wards Lake after the tremor |
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| Before and after the tremor |
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| Don Bosco, founder of the S.D.B. |
Another major impediment to the cause of the missionaries came in the form of the two World Wars. The World War-I temporarily brought the mission activities to a standstill and casted an air on uncertainty over it's future. The then Government of India imposed tight restrictions and maintained strict vigilance on German and Austrian citizens residing in India. Even the missionaries whether Catholics or Protestants were not exempted or fell outside it's purview. Not very late the S.D.S. missionaries were then transported to an internment camp in Ahmednagar on July 9th, 1917. The expulsion of the missionaries came at a crucial time when the church in the Khasi Hills was at a tender age. The S.D.S. Sisters were also expelled from the beautiful hills following an expulsion order of the government for German and Austrian women, children and men above the military age. The sisters sailed from the shores of Calcutta on November 16th, 1816. They were the soul of the missionary activities. They played a pivotal role in planting the church in the Khasi Hills. The S.D.S. missionaries were released from the camp on March 27th, 1916. Their re-entry into Assam seemed far from possible because of it's strategic location. Sensing so, Mgr. Becker tendered his resignation Sept 29th, 1921. The vacuum left by the S.D.S was then filled by the Salesians of Don Bosco (S.D.B.) on January 13th, 1922. Before the world could recover from the trauma and damages inflicted by the World War- I, it again plunged into another war uglier than the last. The outbreak of the World War II once again slowed down the evangelical works of the missionaries. When Japan attacked Pearl Harbour on December 7th, 1941, all Italian missionaries working in India for less than sixteen years were interned temporarily at Sacred Heart's Theological College, Shillong then to Deoli in Rajasthan amid soaring temperature and poor living conditions then to Dehradun. During this time a number of Catholic institutions were requisitioned. Don Bosco School was taken over for preparation of para-military forces.St. Anthony's College and Sacred Heart's theological College were used by the army personnel. Loreto School and St. Edmund's College served as hospitals for the military. During the War missionary work went on despite lack of resources and manpower. The gigantic and heroic tasks carried out by these few but valiant men during the war to ensure continuity and sustainability cannot be forgotten and deserves to be applauded to the greatest extent. They soared higher than the hardships, the harshest test could not outdo them and their dream remained unblemished and their evangelical tenacity never fettered. They strengthened the pillars of the church against all the odds.
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| First Batch of F.M.A. Sisters |
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| First Bach of the Salesians in the North East |
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| The First Batch of Salesians along with Mgr. Louis Mathias |
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| The then St. Anthony's High Shool |
The daily hardships faced by the missionaries cannot be disregarded. The rough terrain and the dusty roads posed a great challenge to the missionaries. Inclement weather- incessant rain during monsoon and biting cold during winters conjoined with poor semi-existent health infrastructure resulted in deaths and many missionaries leaving Shillong. The death of Fr. Otto Hopfunmuller and Bro. Michael Bachle (pioneering group), Fr. valerian Karlte, Fr. Johannes Gruchot, Fr. Thaddus Hoffmann are results of sickness and inability to adapt to the tropical climate and strange living conditions. A host of missionaries left for their home land because of the same reasons and problem in acclimatizing. Several hurdles also came from the quarters of the Protestant and Seng Khasi. using their vernacular 'U Nongrah Khubor' and 'U Khasi Mynta' respectively, they hurled abuses an levelled false and baseless allegations against the church. the Protestants also obstructed the attempts of the Catholic Church to make inroads into places where they are already established. They obstructed the purchase of land in Jowai for the mission cenrter. 'Ka IIng Kristan' was published for the first time August 1st, 1907. It served the dual purpose of religious instructions and apologetical. The 'Ka IIng Kristan' countered the allegations and abuses against the church hurled by the Seng Khasi and Protestants. Despite the numerous challenges, the missionaries worked with so much of fervour and sacrifice. The dreams they nurtured and the hopes they possessed, deepened the roots of the vibrant church that will inexorably grow through the ages and will withstand the trials and test of time.
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| The present St Anthony's School |
The missionaries strived for the holistic development of the people of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Their contribution is so diverse and so deep that it's positive impact was felt by all irrespective of caste, creed, colour and status. Their work was broad based and not limited to evangelisation alone. From philanthropy to community building, from health care to education, the missionaries made their presence felt. On reaching the scintillating hills they understood the prime importance of learning the local dialect. Fr.Angelus wrote in this regard on March 14th, 1890, "Not knowing the local language, we cannot preach the gospel to the people.We strive to daily learn the language. We certainly count on the help of the God in spreading his kingdom as his servants." The print media was effectively used to sow and spread the gospel across the vast and difficult terrain. It was on July 27th, 1890 that Fr. Otto wrote to Fr. Jordan the S.D.S. supremo that the catechism text in the vernacular language will be ready by September1890.A fortnight later he wrote to Cardinal Simeoni that the text was already under print at the Jesuit Press in Calcutta. The monthly apologetic 'U Nongialam Katholik' which began in 1902 later made way for the 'Ka IIng Kristan.' A printing press was set up in Laitkynsew and later moved to Shillong in 1907. The press today known as the 'The Don Bosco Press' is still in existence but with improved technologies better infrastructure. The dedicated service of the Press continues till today. The 'Ka IIng Kristan' came to a complete halt with the expulsion of the S.D.S. missionaries from India. It was brought back to life when the Salesians republished it again from May 24th, 1924. Till this present day the views of the church and the religious instruction reaches the hearths and homes of the Catholic faithfuls through the 'Ka IIng Kristan.' Another periodical called 'U Symbai' was published from the Shillong Press. 'Ka Kot AB' (The Primer) printed by the press in 1925 was approved by the educational authorities to be used in all recognised schools.
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| Don Bosco Technical School |
The gigantic role of the Catholic church in the spread of education in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills deserves utmost appreciation. The presence of premiere institutions- most of them run by Catholic organisation in Shillong makes it the epicenter of education in the Northeastern region of India. As early as 1912, the missionaries administered 26 elementary schools embracing 547 students. St. Anthony's Catholic Middle English School was started on May 1st, 1908 and officially inaugurated on August 15th, 2011. The school grew rapidly and by 1922 after a thorough inspection, the Dy Inspector of School granted to it the grade of High School. The IBVM sisters of Dublin started the Loreto School with twenty three day scholars and three boarders. The Loreto Nuns also prepared it's students for a music examination at the Trinity College. The Irish Christian Brothers directed the St. Edmund's College affiliated to Cambridge. The Plans of Father Angelus for a trade training school materialised in 1907 . A trade training center imparting carpentry, agricultural and other training was set up by the S.D.S missionaries in 1910.
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| St Edmund's College |
The S.D.S. Sisters conducted two home science training schools, one in Shillong and one in Raliang. The girls were trained in cooking, washing, ironing, stitching, knitting, weaving and embroidery. The trade training center received a new vitality with the arrival of the S.D.B's. The mechanical section of the Industrial School was under the care of Bro. Casagrande and Bro. Roncorni while Bro Ferrarris directed the Carpentry section. The Don Bosco Industrial School issued it's first Diplomas to seven people to seven people (2- Mechanics, 2- Carpentry, 2- Shoe-making and 1- Tailoring). At the suggestion on Mgr. Louis Mathias, the RNDM Sisters bought the adjacent property 'Merryville' and transferred their workroom of the girls and convent from the vicinity of 'Our Lady's House.' The newly added property provided ample space for the development of the industrial school. The Governor of Assam inaugurated the School on July 26th 1929. The progress made by the Catholic elementary and technical educational institutions moved at a very
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| The Loreto Convent |
The holistic approach of the missionaries benefited the masses and can be felt by people from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, creed, colour and sex. the quantum of their selfless service can be gauged by the equal emphasis they laid on various spheres and not just the spread of education and evangelisation alone. Health infrastructure at that time was near nonexistent. the area was under the tight grip of malarial fever causing a lot of deaths every year. Several diseases like typhoid, cholera, dysentery and others also plagued the area. The death blows to the missionaries bears testimony to this fact. Public health care was minimal too. The mission centers across Khasi and Jaintia Hills also functioned as infirmary and every missionary a medical practitioner. the yeomen services carried out by the sisters in this regard during their visits to far flung villages and families is commendable. In 1914 the catholic missionaries ran six dispensaries, treated around 3101 patients and the register marked 13,533 cases of medicine distribution and 2000 visits to the sick. The Service of the F.M.A. sisters to public health centers was highly appreciated. The S.D.S. also started a the St. Vincent's Home for the sick and the old. There was non to maintain the house when the when the S.D.S. were expelled from India. The S.D.B's under the direction of Fr. Constantine Vendrame renovated the house which was in a dilapidated state and continued their service towards the sick and the old. The missionaries also ran orphanages in places like Shillong and Raliang. The Nazareth Hospital today sis a reminder of the mammoth and enduring service of the missionaries in providing quality and affordable health care to the people.
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| Mgr Stephen Ferrando |
The post World War- II period witnessed the dwindling numbers in religious vocations across Europe and led to a dire shortage of missionary personnel across Khasi Hills. It was also during this time that the colonial powers handed over the reigns of power to the new government. The attitude of the new government towards the foreign christian missionaries was unwelcoming and they were viewed with suspicion. A host of restriction was placed on them. While their role in the spread of education, health care and others was appreciated, evangelisation was vehemently opposed. The expulsion of the S.D.S. and the internment of the S.D.B. during the World War- I and World War -II respectively created the need for local vocation. Mgr. Stephen Ferrando, realised that the future of the church largely depended on it. The dislocation of people, the grinding poverty and woeful miseries and the influx of people especially from neighbouring Burma made life miserable. This was also the time when there was a shortage of religious women overseas, hence their services could not be obtained. This inspired Mgr Ferrando to set up the Missionaries Sister of the Mary Help of Christians (M.S.H.M.C.). With it's foundation the dream of Mgr. Ferrando was translated into concrete reality. He also founded the St. Paul's minor seminary for the initial formation of candidates to join clergy. In 1956 the Salesian Novitiate House was re-established at a new site in Upper Shillong. However, it was on the 5th of June 1937 that the beautiful hills witnessed the priestly ordination of the first Khasi priest- Fr. Francis Diengdoh, S.D.B. The church grew and the numbers multiplied. from a meagre 962 (including Gauhati and Bondashill) in 1896 to a 4,00,000 Shillong, Jowai and Nongstoin Diocese and 2,31,828 in Tura. The missionaries at that time had the ability to dream and to translate it to reality. The tiny acorns they sowed grew into mighty oaks.
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| The Present Cathedral of the Mary Help of Christians under construction |
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| The Present Cathedral of the Mary Help of Christians under construction |
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| The Cathedral as it is today |
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| Arch. Bishop Orestes Marengo |
After the devastation arson that burnt down the mission complex in Shillong, new plan, drawings and specifications for a new cathedral was made ready. Mr. Gogerly, an architech from Calcutta along with Bro. Montarro, S.B.D. was assigned the work of carrying out the construction. The foundation stone was laid on October 25th, 1936, the feast of Christ the King and was blessed on November 16th 1947 and was dedicated to Mary Help of Christians on August 15th, 1954 in a very solemn ceremony. As the flock grew in numbers personal care and proper administration became difficult. A need to bifurcate the vast Diocese of Shillong was felt. The Santa Sede announced on July 23rd, 1951 the erection of the Diocese of Dibrugarh (Civil districts of Dibrugarh and Sibsagar, Districts of Lohit and Tirap of NEFA and the territories of Nagaland and Manipur) Fr. Orestes Marengo was elected it's first Bishop and the episcopal ordination took place on December 27th, 1951 in the Basilica of the Mary help of Christians, Turin.
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| Phadar Bendra |
Fr. Constantine Vendrame, reached Shillong on December 25, 1924. He was the 'Francis Xavier of the Khasis.' The Khasis fondly called him Phadar Bendra. He was initially assigned to the Novitiate House in Shillong to learn the Khasi language. After ten days of exercise with khasi grammar text, he decided to go out to the villages to learn khasi through direct contact with the people. Phadar Bendra then worked as the parish priest of Shillong and was assigned to begin the festive oratory at the center. he was invaded by the holy impatience of 'Francis Xavier' and was determined to make a breakthrough in evangelisation. He seldom waited for the Non-catholics to come to him, he instead went in search of him. he would sit with the families at the fireplace and engaged in missionary talks. His courage was heroic and he approached everybody, Protestants and Non-christians alike. Phadar Bendra carried with him a walking stick and a notebook during his house to house visits. he has a notebook for every village. His triple programme of evangelisation was organising 1. Catholic lay groups, 2. Catechist and 3. Euchauristic Congresses. Till the arrival of Phadar Bendra, Shillong counted a maximum of 135 Baptisms annually. The untiring zeal and his 'person to person ' made the numbers soar high. In 1926alone there were 400 Baptisms alone. In 1931 it rose to 1400. In a span of nine years of his work Phadar Bendra established 
105 Catholic communities in the District of Shillong. His style of evangelisation was individual persuasion. The phenomenal growth of the Catholic church after the arival of Phadar Bendra can be testified this way: In 1924 there were 128 baptisms, 9089 confessions, 25362 Communions, 1408 Catholics and 8 communities, the number rose to 951 baptisms 37129 confessions, 129426 communions and 113 communities by 1934. Phadar Bendra affirms that of the total number of numbers received in the church between 1924 and 1934 55 % were from the non-Christians, 25 were from the Protestants and 20 % were children born of Catholic parents. Fr. Gutierrez called Phadar Bendra 'Agood pastor who know his sheep.' Fr. Rivalco, a pioneer companion of Phadar bendra says, 'For all of us Fr. Vendrame is a great pioneer: an inspiror of apostolic conquest, an ideal of true Salesian missionary.' As the Khasi and Jaintia hills joyfully awaits the cannonization of the Phadar Bendra they so loved, I pray to the almighty that he chooses more Phadar Bendras from amongst the Khasis and Jaintias who will be fishers of men and his agents of peace love and sacrifice.
105 Catholic communities in the District of Shillong. His style of evangelisation was individual persuasion. The phenomenal growth of the Catholic church after the arival of Phadar Bendra can be testified this way: In 1924 there were 128 baptisms, 9089 confessions, 25362 Communions, 1408 Catholics and 8 communities, the number rose to 951 baptisms 37129 confessions, 129426 communions and 113 communities by 1934. Phadar Bendra affirms that of the total number of numbers received in the church between 1924 and 1934 55 % were from the non-Christians, 25 were from the Protestants and 20 % were children born of Catholic parents. Fr. Gutierrez called Phadar Bendra 'Agood pastor who know his sheep.' Fr. Rivalco, a pioneer companion of Phadar bendra says, 'For all of us Fr. Vendrame is a great pioneer: an inspiror of apostolic conquest, an ideal of true Salesian missionary.' As the Khasi and Jaintia hills joyfully awaits the cannonization of the Phadar Bendra they so loved, I pray to the almighty that he chooses more Phadar Bendras from amongst the Khasis and Jaintias who will be fishers of men and his agents of peace love and sacrifice. |
| The Game of Cricket being played in Shillong |
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| Shillong of yesteryears |
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| Vintage Shillong |
One cannot ignore the role played by the lay Catechist in planting the church in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. They were the silent but effective workers. Their deeds spoke louder than words. They were the extended hands of the missionaries. They were the soul of the missionary activities in the beautiful hills. It would be an understatement to consider the catechist as mere catechism teachers, as once written by Mgr. Louis Mathias on the important role played by them, "The catechist in the mission land is not only the one who teaches catechism, but he is the true logna manus of the missionaries." In the Assam mission with its vastness in area and cultural and lingual diversities the role of the catechist is of greater significance. Mgr. Mathias laid special emphasis on the need of having a training center for the lay catechist. This emphasis can be witnessed in another writing wherein he said, "We have the need of hundred such centers, because Assam has an infinite number of races and tribes...It is the general cry of the every time I visit the missions: <Send us a catechist and we will become catholics>" While serving as the Archbishop of Madras, Mgr. Mathias lauded the role played by the catechist in his 'The Perfect Catechist' whereby he said, "The catechist, if well formed, can do much; even more than the missionary himself in given circumstances." Thus one can say that Mgr. mathias was one of their greatest protagonist. Phadar Bendra also laid great stress on the great role that a catechist can play in these words, "The Catechist in the missions is a type of a 'deacon' or a substitute of the missionary" He further said, "If we had anylamentable defections [of faith] of if any newborn community becomes cold [less fervent], the reason is always the same: lack of catechist." Mgr Stephen Ferrando wrote to the Rector Major in the beginning of 1937 and stress on the vastness of the Assam mission and the need for more priest to toil in the beautiful hills "But the most impelling need, which one feels each day is that for the greater number of priest. Yes dear Father, we are few, too few in front of such a movement; we should not loose thousands of Catholics due to the lack of workers [missionaries]." It was this dire shortage of missionaries that led to a compelling urgency and need for more and more trained catechist. The importance of this urgency was very well explained in the Annual Report of1945- 46 of Mgr. Ferrando to the Rector Major, "This makes me very anxious, because if once a favourable occasion is lost, it is difficult to regain it..." In a letter to Fr. P. Ricaldone, Mgr. Mathias wrote, "I wish to raise a loud cry so that all those who love the mission will hear it. 'Help us maintain a catechist, and still more catechist!' and we will have thousands of conversions each year." In the annual report of 1936 - 37 "From every part [of the missions] the entire village asks for a catechist. We are burdened with too much work, we do not have the means; how should we respond? Are we to tell them: 'You will not be baptized, you'll be at the gate waiting till we can send you a catechist." The Catechist also contributed a great deal to the growth of the catholic church in our hills. Lest we forget, in the early days of the Cathedral Parish, it was blessed with the services of several catechist like Babu Doi, Babu Harrison, Babu Long, Babu Debi Blah, Babu Joseph Milkha, Babu Bonaventure Chyne and others. Babu Marius Kharumnuid worked zealously in Mawlai Parish. The zeal of catechist like Babu Taddeo, Babu Henry Tyrniang, Babu dominic Mawlat, Babu Elias Syiemlieh and Babu Anthony Marwein was very much lauded by Mgr. Ferrando. In the Bhoi area Babu Andreas Durong, Babu Pilat Shadap and Babu Khala preached the Gospel. The dedicated service of Babu Norbert Shympa of Wahiajer, Babu Blassius Dkhar of Nangbah, Babu Michael Kha, babu Justinaian and Babu Idon of Tyrna, babu Kidon of Tynrong, babu Bartholomeus of Nongriat, Babu Maximilian of Ri-War, Babu Drowell of Mawlong, Babu Jogesh of Laitkynsew and many others. Mgr. Ferrando in his annual report of 1938 - 39 wrote, "Give us good catechist is- the cry of every missionary in Assam. A good catechist would mean a new community, new baptisms, new conquest of souls. The harvest is plenty; but there is the lack of harvesters."
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Phadar Bendra and Phadar Tonello with the Khasis |
There has always been one question in my mind since childhood, how can it be possible for the Missionaries from the west to commit their lives for the well-being of the least known Khasis and Jaintias. Their commitment was so firm that the tremor, arson, world wars, poor living conditions mattered the least to them. They were so focus in their mission and all that really mattered to them was Christ and his Church alone. They took great joy in pain and suffereings and were ever ready to carry the cross that Christ carried from the house of Pilate to Calvary. For every missionary in the Assam mission every single moment was a life of struggle. They overlooked all of it and hence built one of the most beautiful edifice called the Catholic Church which is apostolic in nature. When Father Otto and his pioneer missionaries reached Shillong he wrote to Fr. Jordan, the founder of the S.D.S. "Finally we reached our goal after 41 days of journey... these people offer hope." They never failed to see a ray of hope despite the hardships and adversaries they encountered in their day to day activities. Hope was finely woven into their mind, heart and soul. Fr. Otto wrote to Cardinal Simeoni on March 30th 1890, "The Khasi people are well disposed. Many young and elderly people have paid visit to us and to meet the new missionaries. They are very kind and hold out hopes of a good and fruitful apostolate." Hope was never an end in itself. The success of the missionaries was the end result of an amalgam of hope, committment, determination and persevarance. On one occassion Fr. Otto wrote to Fr. Jordan, "If we cannot form a community of Khasi christians here, our stay will be useless." Their mission was never vague or hollow. It was a mission with concrete visions. Hope was always reinforced with the arrival of new missionaries. They were like horses with blinkers. They saw just the summit alone and turned a blind eye to the potholes and rough terrain. Such is their determination. "Deo gratias!" wrote Fr. Angelus to Fr. jordan on the arrival of a new batch of missionaries, "The dear missionaries have arrived in shillong safe and sound. My joy is great; I can scarcely describe it. Now we have splendid Fathers. the wounds of the past year will soon be healed. The mission will begin to flourish; and it will now be my privilege by good news to give joy to your fatherly heart, burdened with many sufferings and cares." The missionaries were tested to the hilt yet their commitment and perseverance was deeply rooted, hence never gave up. After the tremor of 1897, Fr. Angelus wrote to Fr. Jordan, "All the houses and the churches that we built in the seven years are now destroyed and we must begin this difficult task anew. But how?"
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The Shillong Club |
When the Salesians took over the Assam Mission from the S.D.S. before they set sail to the beautiful hills, Cardinal Richelmy handed over the Missionary Cross to the parting missionaries. The then Fr. Mathias, described the mission as 'incomparable', 'our promised land' and 'New Patagonia.' (the first Salesian Missionary expedition sent by Don Bosco was Patagonia; hence Patagonia was considered the heart of the Salesian missionary activities) The missionaries were filled with immense love for the people of the Khasi and Jaintia hills. Their love for the people supersedes the bottlenecks and hardships of everyday life. In the annual report of Mgr. Ferrando summing up the toil and moil involved involved in planting the church he stated, "In an annual report [of the Mission] one always tries project that which is more remarkable; but no pen can describe the work done by the missionaries. how can one translate in numbers the kilometers traversed on mountains, in valleys, under schorching sun, across the rivers, on foot, on horseback, on elephant, in boat, by train, etc.? And how many soldiers unknown fight in this holy battle to propagate the Good News! The numerous chappel blessed this year are fruits of so much sacrifice of the poor, humble neophytes, who contribute their savings to have a church." Mgr. Ferrando recalling the decinial celebration of the arrival of the Salesians, referring to the Khasi dance said, "When that dance with a magnificent choreography under the vault of the beautiful blue sky of Cherrapunjee... and especially when the dancers (men and women) approach the Bishop to do him acts of respect, I wish if all the Khasi people would go to meet Christ." Till today when I think of their mammoth contributions, there is not even a grain of doubt in me that it's their abundant and undying love for the Khasis that made all things possible.
The missionaries indeed left a very strong legacy indeed. Today Meghalaya alone is the home to three diocese. The Diocese of Shillong, Diocese of Tura, Diocese of Jowai and Diocese of Nongstoin. The church today plays key role not only in spreading the Good News but is also a key player in various aspects concerning social and economic upliftment. The Catholic even after the departure of the foriegn missionaries kept moving. From Arch Bishop Hubert D Rosario to Arch Bishop Tarciscius Resto Phanrang to Arch Bishop Dominic Jala all have given their heart and soul for the beterment and growth of the diocese. The Catholic Church grew through the ages and the harshest of stroms never succeeded in halting the movement of the Church. As of 2006 Shillong has a population of 2, 30,150 Catholics that accounts of 26% of the total population of Shillong. The Diocese of Tura which was eatablished March 1st, 1973 has 201,707 Catholics against the total population of 7, 62,473. It accounts to 26.5% of the total population as of 2004. The Diocese of Jowai and Nongstoin were erected on Jan. 28, 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI, and Father Vincent Kympat and Father Victor Kurbah were appointed Bishops of the two new diocese respectively. They were ordained on April 2, 2006 by the Apostolic Nuncio to India, Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana. Jowai houses 72, 000 Catholic which is 26% of the District's total population as of 2008. As of 2009, Nongstoin diocese had 102,900 baptized Catholics, representing 34 percent of all 313,723 people in the territory. The diocese had 15 parishes and 60 mission stations. During 2009, the Diocese recorded 4,850 baptisms.
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| Arch Bisbop Hubert D Rosario |
The missionaries indeed left a very strong legacy indeed. Today Meghalaya alone is the home to three diocese. The Diocese of Shillong, Diocese of Tura, Diocese of Jowai and Diocese of Nongstoin. The church today plays key role not only in spreading the Good News but is also a key player in various aspects concerning social and economic upliftment. The Catholic even after the departure of the foriegn missionaries kept moving. From Arch Bishop Hubert D Rosario to Arch Bishop Tarciscius Resto Phanrang to Arch Bishop Dominic Jala all have given their heart and soul for the beterment and growth of the diocese. The Catholic Church grew through the ages and the harshest of stroms never succeeded in halting the movement of the Church. As of 2006 Shillong has a population of 2, 30,150 Catholics that accounts of 26% of the total population of Shillong. The Diocese of Tura which was eatablished March 1st, 1973 has 201,707 Catholics against the total population of 7, 62,473. It accounts to 26.5% of the total population as of 2004. The Diocese of Jowai and Nongstoin were erected on Jan. 28, 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI, and Father Vincent Kympat and Father Victor Kurbah were appointed Bishops of the two new diocese respectively. They were ordained on April 2, 2006 by the Apostolic Nuncio to India, Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana. Jowai houses 72, 000 Catholic which is 26% of the District's total population as of 2008. As of 2009, Nongstoin diocese had 102,900 baptized Catholics, representing 34 percent of all 313,723 people in the territory. The diocese had 15 parishes and 60 mission stations. During 2009, the Diocese recorded 4,850 baptisms.
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| Archbishop Dominic Jala |
Thank you so much for sharing
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