TURA, July 4: In a tribute to the extraordinary legacy of (L) Bishop George Mamalassery, cabinet minister Marcuise N. Marak on Saturday officially declared the stretch of road from Walbakgre Junction to Holy Cross Hospital in Tura as ‘Bishop George Mamalassery Road’.
The declaration was made during a solemn function held at St. Luke Church, Walbakgre, Tura, to commemorate the second death anniversary of the revered former Bishop of the Diocese of Tura.
The programme was attended by Bishop Andrew R. Marak, Bishop of the Diocese of Tura, Auxiliary Bishop Jose Chirackal, government officials, priests, religious, distinguished guests and a large gathering of parishioners.
As part of the commemorative programme, Bishop Andrew R. Marak unveiled the bust and memorial plaque of the late Bishop George Mamalassery, honouring his lifelong commitment to the spiritual, educational, social and healthcare development of the Garo Hills region.
The road declaration recognised the late Bishop’s decades of selfless service and lasting contribution to the people of the region.
Addressing the gathering after the Holy Mass, Minister Marcuise Marak recalled the immense contributions made by Bishop George Mamalassery despite the numerous challenges of his time.
He said the late Bishop dedicated 28 years of exemplary service to the Diocese of Tura, leaving an indelible mark not only on the spiritual lives of the people but also in the fields of education, healthcare and social welfare.
The minister noted that Bishop Mamalassery’s visionary leadership transformed countless lives across Garo Hills through various developmental initiatives and institutions established under his guidance.
Expressing gratitude for the Bishop’s invaluable service to society, the minister urged everyone to uphold his values of compassion, service and commitment to humanity.
During the programme, Auxiliary Bishop Jose Chirackal spoke about the Bishop Mama Memorial Scholarship Scheme, a charitable trust envisioned by the late Bishop. He formally announced the recipients of the Bishop Mama’s Charitable Trust Scholarship for 2026, continuing the Bishop’s mission of supporting deserving students through education.
It may be noted that the late Bishop George Mamalassery played a pivotal role in shaping the educational, healthcare and social infrastructure of Garo Hills. Under his leadership, numerous institutions were established, including schools, hostels, colleges, rural dispensaries, Holy Cross Hospital, Rino Simonetti School of Nursing, the Montfort Centre for Education of the Physically Challenged and the Diocesan Social Service Centre (Bakdil), among many other initiatives.
Bishop Mamalassery began his priestly ministry by serving as Assistant Parish Priest in Tura, Dalu and Baghmara for 10 years before being appointed Parish Priest of Dalu in 1970.
On February 8, 1979, the Holy See appointed Fr George Mamalassery as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Tura, and he was consecrated Bishop on March 18, 1979, at the Don Bosco School playground in Tura.
Throughout his 28-year episcopal ministry, Bishop Mamalassery provided exemplary spiritual and moral leadership while spearheading transformative initiatives in education, healthcare and social development, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of Garo Hills.
Among those present were Additional Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Tura Municipal Board Jude Rangku T. Sangma, Assistant Commissioner Abigail Tariang, Rev. Fr Joby Mamalassery, nephew of the late Bishop, Executive Engineer, PWD, John FG Momin, Assistant Executive Engineer, North Division-I, Azian K. Sangma, along with priests, religious sisters, government officials, parishioners and invited guests.
The function concluded with heartfelt tributes to the late Bishop George Mamalassery, whose enduring legacy continues to inspire generations across the Garo Hills region.
The sixth episcopal ordination anniversary of Bishop Jose Chirackal was also commemorated during the function.
