From Our Correspondent
TURA, Nov 5: The golden jubilee celebration marking the 50 glorious years of Tura Diocese since its establishment in 1973 was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm at Don Bosco School Playground, Chandmary Tura. The four- day event commencing from November 2 culminated in a grand celebration of Holy Eucharist where 18 bishops from different North East Dioceses including three from Tura Diocese graced the occasion.
People from all over Garo Hills region including faithfuls from Shillong, Shallang and Nongstoin Diocese participated in the event.
Addressing the huge gathering on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma thanked the Almighty for being able to witness this historic day and also thanked the organising committee members for giving him the opportunity to participate in the golden jubilee celebrations of Tura Diocese.
“This is the time to be happy and thank God for the bountiful blessing bestowed to the people of Garo Hills for 50 years and also expressed his gratitude to everyone including the priest, religious, lay persons, etc for their selfless service, dedication, sacrifice and immense contribution in bringing the catholic church to this level in 50 long years,” he said.
He also expressed his special gratitude to Bishop Emeritus George Mamalaserry for his immense contribution to Tura Diocese and transforming the lives of the people of Garo Hills in spite of facing numerous challenges in the past.
The chief minister also acknowledged the various services rendered by the Catholic Church for the welfare of the people by providing social services, health care and also offers one of the best educations in the top level thereby uplifting the standard of living of the people especially in rural areas.
Stating that all Christian missionaries have brought tremendous change in the region, Sangma, as a Christian, suggested that all Christian denominations should come together and make a Christian museum for preserving the history, culture and contribution of the missionaries and spread it to others and for passing the knowledge to the future generations.
Earlier in his homily, Most Reverend John Moolachira, Chairman, North East India Bishops’ Council, said that jubilee is a time to give thanks to the giver and that the Jews celebrate and give thanks to their giver of bountiful harvest after fifty years.
Paying rich tributes to the missionaries for spreading the word of god in the region and bringing many changes transforming the lives of the people, he said that the Diocese has grown and this is the right time to give thanks for all the blessings showered upon the people of the region.
Stating about the never-ending love and compassion of the Almighty, he said that jubilee is a time to renew and deepen our faith and pray that God guide everyone to enduring better Christians in future.
Meanwhile, Bishop Emiritus George Mamalassery, on the auspicious occasion, also highlighted the background and history of the establishment of Tura Diocese.
Bishop of Tura Diocese, Right Reverend Bishop Andrew R Marak in his short speech informed about the progress and development of the catholic church in the region and present status of priest, religious and lay congregation in the diocese.
Senior priests and religious were also felicitated during the event for their selfless service and dedication to the people of the region.
The event was graced by host of distinguished dignitaries including Member of the Parliament, Lok Sabha Agatha K Sangma, Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Thomas A Sangma, Minister, Soil & Water Conservation, etc Marcuise Marak, Chief Executive Member, GHADC, Albinush R Marak, Arch-Bishop, Shillong Diocese, Victor Lyngdoh, Bishop Emiritus Thomas Menamparampil, Guwahati, Arch Bishop and Bishops of North East Region, President ABDK, Tura Sunderson A Sangma, Principal Harding Theological College, I Imsong and government officials.