DOTMA (1986) C-2006
St. Francis Xavier Patron
Bongaigaon Diocese
Catholic Church
Borshijhora, Dotma – 783 347
Kokrajhar – Assam
(03661) 284148
94357-25358 Fr. Edward D’Souza
eddiesdb@hotmail.com Fr. Edward D’Souza
Members
Fr. D’Souza Edward Rector
Convent :
FMA – Auxilium
(03661) 284226
Don Bosco School
Ramfalbil, Serfanguri P.O.
Kokrajhar Dist., Assam – 783 346
(03661) 291877
History
Located in the district of Kokrajhar, Dotma is about 217 kms. away from Guwahati. The parish is in the diocese of Bongaigaon and mainly consists of the Boros. The number of Catholics is around 4500 in 825 families, spread out in 35 villages. Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, to which the parish belonged at that time, has permanently entrusted the parish to the Salesians with effect from 16th August, 1992.
The mission of Dotma, dedicated to the great missionary, Saint Francis Xavier, was bifurcated from the Salesian Parish of Bengtol and was erected as a parish on 1st January 1986. Fr. Edward D’Souza was appointed as the first parish priest of Dotma. As there was no house in the newly purchased land, Fr. Edward rented a small shelter in the village of Borshijhora and resided there from April 1986. A temporary school was put up with the help of the local Christians in the mission compound.
Due to the work of direct evangelization in the area and a consequent increase in the number of Catholics, there arose a stiff opposition from the local people, spearheaded by the “Boro Sahitya Sabha”. As a result, the following academic year saw practically no new admissions to the school from the local non-Christians. Hence, a need was felt to start a boarding school for the Catholic boys. In the beginning, they were sheltered in the village chapel. Later, the boarding for Catholic boys and girls living in outlying villages, were opened in the mission compound itself so that they could attend school. In spite of the opposition, the school was left open to students of all faiths and tribes.
Soon, with the support from agencies, better housing facilities were established at the centre. On 24th August 1991, the Salesian Sisters (FMA) came to help out in the work of the mission. They were involved in the school, in the hostel, and in visiting the villages. They also run the “Grihini School” for about 35 village girls who come in from various villages and parishes. After nearly a year and a half, the Grihini school was shifted to their new site at Kokrajhar.
The mission has 1 L.P. school, 1 High school and 1 M.E. school. There are hostels for both boys and girls.