Bishop Jose Chirackal, Auxiliary Bishop of Tura Diocese and other concelebrant during the feast day celebration at Damra Parish.
The parish of Damra in Assam, blessed with a rich 79-year legacy begun by the pioneering missionary Fr. Hubert Colzani, joyfully celebrated its Parish Day on 28th September 2025. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Jose Chirackal, Auxiliary Bishop of Tura Diocese, who, in his homily, urged the faithful to build upon the solid works of the missionaries whose fidelity and sacrifice laid the foundation of the Damra faith community. The liturgical celebration was further enriched by the presence of ten concelebrating priests, manifesting the unity and shared mission of the Church.
In the days leading up to the Parish Day, a Triduum of prayer and reflection prepared the community spiritually. These days offered a time of renewal, penance, and recommitment, helping parishioners to reflect more deeply on the meaning of parish life as a journey of faith. The Triduum highlighted the parish’s mission to proclaim the Risen Christ with renewed zeal.
A striking aspect of this year’s celebration was the active involvement of the laity. Their enthusiastic participation in planning, preparation, liturgy, and hospitality reflected the truth that the mission of the Church belongs to all the baptized. The vibrant role of the laity was a powerful witness of faith, especially for the younger generation and newly initiated Christians.
The presence of the sisters from neighbouring convents added further grace to the occasion. Their collaboration emphasized the role of religious life in education, formation, and service to the parish. Together with priests and laity, they created a living witness of the Church’s call to prayer, service, and fraternity.
Following the Mass, the faithful witnessed a colourful cultural programme. The Garo, Boro, and Rabha communities presented traditional dances, beautifully weaving culture into faith and highlighting the richness of Damra’s diversity. These cultural expressions were more than entertainment; they stood as forms of evangelization, reflecting the beauty of God’s creation and strengthening unity in diversity.
The Parish Day concluded with refreshments for the faithful and a fellowship meal for priests and religious. In his closing message, Parish Priest Fr. Francis Kalariparampil described the celebration as a beacon of communal faith: “Parish Day 2025 of Damra is where heritage and new energy converge. It reminds us that the Church grows when we treasure the fidelity of the past, collaborate in the present, and courageously embrace the mission ahead.”
This year’s Parish Day was more than a commemoration—it was a renewal of mission, a joyful witness to Christ, and a hopeful step forward for a parish that continues to be a home of faith, service, and fraternity.
News Courtesy: Fr. Francis Kalariparampil SDB
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