By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 14: St. Joseph’s Church, Mawkhar Parish, on Sunday, formally inaugurated its year-long Platinum Jubilee celebrations, recalling the humble beginnings of the parish established 75 years ago through the pioneering efforts of late Rev. Fr. Constantine Vendrame.
The Jubilee Year was inaugurated with the hoisting of the Jubilee flag by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Leo Iawbor, in the presence of Assistant Parish Priests Rev. Fr. Bensar Kharsati and Rev. Fr. Paulus Palamatam, along with invited guests, members of the Parish Pastoral Council and various Jubilee Committee members.
Speaking on the occasion, Rev. Fr. Leo highlighted the role of late Rev. Fr. Constantine Vendrame in laying the foundation of the parish.
He recalled that Fr. Vendrame played a crucial role in purchasing the land for the church from one Keran Pal, a Bengali resident, despite facing opposition and numerous challenges during that period.
He noted that the generation which laid the foundation of the parish in 1951 lived with strong and unwavering faith, overcoming hardships and difficulties to establish the church near Iewduh, which has since grown into a vibrant centre of faith.
Rev. Fr. Leo further stated that the priests who succeeded Fr. Vendrame continued the mission with dedication, sacrifice and perseverance, contributing significantly to the spiritual growth of the parish over the decades.
Following the inauguration, a solemn Holy Mass was celebrated, presided over by Rev. Fr. Leo Iawbor. In his homily, he said the Jubilee Year should be a time of thanksgiving and reflection on the journey of the parish since its establishment in 1951. He urged the faithful to remember with gratitude the early missionaries and priests whose vision and commitment shaped the parish.
Calling upon the present generation to strengthen their faith and deepen their sense of belonging to the Church, the Parish Priest expressed gratitude to all parishioners and contributors who have played a role in the growth of the parish, attributing its continued spiritual progress to their steadfast faith.
Various cultural programmes were organised in the afternoon as part of the celebrations. Special prayers were also offered by the faithful, thanking God for the blessings bestowed over the past 75 years, during which the parish has borne the fruits of faith through the service of missionaries and servants of God.
The year-long Platinum Jubilee celebrations will continue until January 17, 2027.
