NONGSTOIN (1966) C-1975
St. Peter Patron
Nongstoin Diocese
(Attached presences : Rambrai, Rangblang)
Catholic Church
Pyndengrei, Post Box No.1
Nongstoin – 793 119
Meghalaya
(03654) 280382
Members
Fr. Peter Syiemlieh Rector & PP
Fr. Bernard Pala HM, Asst. PP
Convents :
FMA – St Peter’s Convent
(03654) 222227
VSDB – Bosco Convent, Nonglang
History
Nongstoin is the district headquarters of the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya and is about 100 kms away from Shillong, the capital town. The Catholics number 17,000 from 2355 families spread over 116 villages. The parish belongs to the Salesians permanently according to the agreement signed between Archbishop Hubert D’ Rosario and the Salesian provincial Fr. Mathew Pulingathil on 13th July 1976.
The parish at Nongstoin, headquarters of the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, formed part of the parish of Marbisu, established by the Salesians in 1949. At that time, the parish of Marbisu, with Fr. Attard as the pioneering missionary (he is now 91) meant the whole of the West Khasi hills as also part of the East Khasi hills. Now the parish is looked after by the diocesan clergy. The first division of Marbisu in 1966 resulted in the parish of Nongstoin, with Fr. Albizzuri as the first parish priest. Nongstoin was thus given the care of the whole of the West Khasi Hills. In course of time, Nongstoin was divided into five other parishes. Together with gospel proclamation, education through a network of primary, middle and high schools, has been a major contribution of the Church to the people of the area.