Tura: The Diocese of Tura welcomed it’s first Auxiliary Bishop with the ordination of long-time serving priest 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 Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Tura MP Agatha Sangma, power minister James 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.
The religious congregation was represented by principal consecrator and Bishop of Tura Andrew R Marak.
Bishop Emeritus of Tura, George Mamalassery, Bishop of Bongaigaon Thomas Pulloppillil, Bishop of Jowai, Victor Lyngdoh and several priests were present.
During the service, a document from Vatican City sent by Pope Francis was read out first in Latin by Arthur K. Marak, Cathedral Parish Priest and later, the English translation was read out by Fr. Kurian, Diocesan Procurator.
A felicitation programme was organised with a colorful bouquet being presented to the new Auxiliary Bishop by the Bishop of Tura.
In the short felicitation programme, the Bishop Emeritus congratulated the Auxiliary Bishop while Bishop of Tura 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 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 thanked all the other Bishops, dignitaries and others who attended the programme. He also expressed his gratitude to all who helped him reach the present stage.
