Most Rev. John Moolachira DD, Archbishop of Guwahati celebrating the Funeral Holy Mass and praying along with the Salesians, Religious and Lay people for the repose of the soul of Rev Fr E. P. Augustine SDB.
On 6th March 2025, the mortal remains of Rev. Fr. Edasserithottathil Augustine SDB were laid to rest in the Christian Cemetery, Uzanbazar, following a solemn funeral Holy Mass at St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral Church, Panbazar. The Mass was presided over by Most Rev. John Moolachira DD, Archbishop of Guwahati, who paid tribute to Fr. EP Augustine’s invaluable contributions to the Church in Northeast India. The Holy Mass was attended by many priests, religious sisters, and laypeople who were friends of Fr. EP Augustine.
The funeral liturgy commenced at 2:00 PM with a brief account of Fr. EP Augustine’s early life and mission, shared by Fr. Romanus Barwa SDB. After the introduction, the choir from Don Bosco Institute (DBI) led the congregation in an entrance hymn, setting a prayerful atmosphere.
In the homily, the Archbishop of Guwahati recalled the cheerfulness of Fr. EP Augustine even in his pain and sickness. Quoting the Gospel of the day, in which two disciples on the road to Emmaus were accompanied by the Risen Christ, the Archbishop said that Fr. Augustine, too, is being accompanied to Heaven by Jesus.
During the condolence messages, several people expressed their grief and gratitude for Fr. Augustine’s devoted service. Among them were Fr. Biju Michael SDB, Regional Councillor for South Asia, whose message was read by Fr. Kishor Moshahary, and Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial of Guwahati, whose message was read by Fr. Ignatius Gari. Fr. Jeevan Kishor Lakra SDB, Vice Provincial of Shillong, and Sr. Mabel Gopthorp FMA, Provincial of the Salesian Sisters in Guwahati, also shared condolence messages. Messages were additionally shared by confreres from various Salesian provinces, including Dimapur and Guwahati, as well as representatives from the parishioners of Maligaon. Fr. Jogesh B. Sangma SDB was the MC for the sharing of condolence messages.
On behalf of the family, Fr. Augustine MSFS expressed deep appreciation for the support and prayers of the Salesian Province of Guwahati and the community of Don Bosco Technical School, Maligaon. The service concluded with words of gratitude from Fr. Bivan Rodrigues Mukhim SDB, Vice Provincial of the Guwahati Province.
The final prayer and blessing were given by Archbishop John Moolachira DD before the mortal remains were taken to the final resting place at the Christian Cemetery in Uzanbazar. Rev. Fr. MC George SDB, a companion of Fr. EP Augustine, performed the final rites at the cemetery. A large number of priests, sisters, relatives, and friends of Fr. EP Augustine accompanied his mortal remains to his final resting place.
About The Author
