Most Rev. Andrew R. Marak, Bishop of Tura, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial and other priests during the blessing of St. John of the Cross Chapel Rombagre Village.
A day of immense spiritual joy and divine grace unfolded at Rombagre village on 03rd August 2025 as the Chapel of St. John of the Crosswas solemnly blessed by Most Rev. Andrew R. Marak, Bishop of Tura, and inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Guwahati. Amidst prayers and the gentle showers from above, the faithful witnessed the culmination of their long-cherished dream – a sacred space now dedicated to God’s dwelling among His people.
The chapel, a fruit of faith and perseverance, was constructed with the generous support of donors and the active facilitation of Fr. Bartholomew K. Marak, the Parish Priest of Holy Cross Parish, Rongkhon. The solemn celebration was graced by the presence of clergy including Fr. Benjamin Daimari, Rector of Bosco Mount, Rongkhon; Fr. Jogesh Sangma, Provincial Councillor and Rector of Don Bosco Centre for Learning; Assistant Parish Priests Fr. Justin Chinnaparaj and Fr. George William and Deacon Francis Minj.
Also in attendance were the MSMHC Sisters of Rongkhon, catechists, Parish Pastoral Council members, and the local faithful. The presence of the pastor of the local Baptist Church, villagers, and the Nokma (village head) added to the spirit of unity and goodwill that marked the event.
Following the blessing, Bishop Andrew presided over the Holy Eucharist. In his homily, the Bishop reflected on his personal connection with the community, recalling how in 1974, as a catechist sent by the late Fr. Busolin Battista SDB, he had spent 60 days catechizing the local Christian families. From that humble beginning, the community has grown to nearly 30 families, now united in prayer within their own sacred space.
“We are dedicating this place to God, and God is coming down to stay with His people,” Bishop Andrew proclaimed. Urging the faithful to regard the chapel as a temple of worship and a center for proclaiming the Word, he encouraged them to lead their families—especially the youth and children—towards a deeper relationship with Christ.
Reflecting on the day’s Gospel on the rich fool, Bishop Andrew emphasized the importance of using earthly blessings to serve God’s purposes. “It is not wealth that is condemned, but the forgetfulness of its source and purpose,” he noted, drawing from St. Paul’s exhortation in the letter to the Colossians to seek what is above.
The Eucharistic celebration was followed by a short felicitation program. Tributes in the traditional Garo manner were offered to Bishop Andrew, Fr. Sebastian, Fr. Bartholomew, Fr. Jogesh, Fr. Benjamin, the contractor, the Baptist pastor, and the Nokma, acknowledging their roles in the historic occasion.
In his address, Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal spoke of the chapel as a visible sign of God’s providence and the people’s living faith. “We must continue to nurture this faith and pray for all the benefactors who, through their sacrifice and generosity, have made this chapel a reality,” he said.
Fr. Bartholomew Marak extended heartfelt thanks to all who had contributed—spiritually, materially, and physically—to the successful realization of the chapel and the day’s celebration. The village youth enriched the celebration through soulful singing, vibrant Garo dances, and warm hospitality.
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