TURA: The Catholic Church Diocese of Tura welcomed it’s first Auxiliary Bishop with the ordination of long time serving priest Msgr Jose Chirackal at a special religious service held here at the Sacred Heart Shrine on Saturday morning.
The ceremony was attended by a host of invitees that included Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Tura MP Agatha K Sangma, power minister James K Sangma, MLA and government chief whip Marcuise N. Marak, legislator and adviser to the chief minister Thomas A. Sangma, Commissioner and Secretary for Health and Family Welfare P Sampath Kumar and West Garo Hills deputy commissioner Ram Singh, among others.
From the religious congregation side, it was represented by principal conservator and Bishop of Tura Most Rev. Andrew R Marak, the Bishop of Tura, Bishop Emeritus of Tura, Most Rev. George Mamalassery, Bishop of Bongaigaon Most Rev. Thomas Pulloppillil and Bishop of Jowai, Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh.
During the service a document from Vatican City sent by Pope Francis was read out first in Latin by Rev. Arthur K. Marak, Cathedral Parish Priest and later its translated version in English by Fr. Kurian, Diocesan Procurator.
A felicitation programme was organised with a colorful bouquet being presented to the new Auxiliary Bishop by Most Rev. Andrew R Marak, the Bishop of Tura.
In the short felicitation programme Most Rev. George Mamalessery, Bishop Emeritus congratulated Auxiliary Bishop C J Jose while Bishop of Tura Andrew Marak called upon the priests, sisters and laity to collaborate with the newly ordained bishop in his work while shepherding the flock along with
him.
Chief minister Conrad K. Sangma on behalf of the people of the state also felicitated the Auxiliary Bishop.
Paying glowing tributes to the new bishop, the chief minister spoke of his close friendship with him and acknowledged his hard work for the church and the faithful.
Acknowledging the warm welcome given to him, the newly ordained bishop Most Rev. CJ Jose thanked all the Bishops, dignitaries and lay people who attended the programme. He also expressed his gratitude to all who worked alongside and helped him to reach to the present stage.