A photo session with the Bishop, Provincial, and the priests who joined in the ordination of Fr. Cherak Callistus M. Sangma, SDB, at Shallang Parish.
A day of great joy and thanksgiving unfolded at Sacred Heart Church, Shallang Parish, on 8th February 2025 as Deacon Cherak Callistus M. Sangma, SDB, was ordained a priest of God. The ordination was conferred by His Lordship, Most Rev. Wilbert Marwein, D.D., Bishop of Nongstoin Diocese, in the presence of a large congregation of clergy, religious, and faithful.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration witnessed the participation of 67 priests, a large number of religious sisters, and thousands of faithful, who gathered to join the family members of Fr. Cherak Sangma in thanking God for his priesthood.
In his homily, Bishop Wilbert Marwein reminded the newly ordained priest to thank God for calling him to be a servant after Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. He encouraged him to love and serve the people wholeheartedly, dedicating his life to the mission of the Church and the Kingdom of God.
During the felicitation program, Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal, SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province, extended his best wishes to Fr. Cherak M. Sangma and expressed gratitude to Bishop Wilbert Marwein for conferring the ordination. He acknowledged all those who played a role in the priestly formation of Fr. Cherak Sangma. He thanked the fathers, sisters, former Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma, the MLA, and the MDC for being present at the ordination of Fr Cherak M. Sangma.
Reflecting on the sacrifices and responsibilities of priesthood, Fr. Sebastian invoked the words of Mamma Margaret, the mother of Don Bosco: “To begin to say Mass is to begin to suffer.” He urged Fr. Cherak to embrace his vocation with joy, gratitude, and unwavering commitment to God’s people.
He also took the opportunity to congratulate the parish of Shallang on the Silver Jubilee of the Parish, recognizing the contributions of the faithful in nurturing vocations. He specially thanked Fr. Alfred Marzo, SDB, a missionary whose sacrifices and dedication have borne fruit in the parish.
The ordination of Fr. Cherak Callistus M. Sangma is a historic moment for Shallang Parish, as he is the first priest from the parish. This milestone adds to the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the parish, making the occasion even more meaningful.
Welcoming the gathering, Fr. Denis Toju Sangma, SDB, Rector and Parish Priest of Shallang, expressed immense joy, stating that the ordination of Fr. Cherak is a blessing for the parish. He thanked all those present for their support and prayers.
The ordination ceremony concluded with a grand celebration, as the faithful rejoiced in the gift of a new priest from their community.
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