The 45th Annual Sobha (religious gathering) of Mary Help of Christians Parish, Satgaon, hosted at Jalpara B village, concluded on January 19, 2026, with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass and the ceremonial lowering of the Parish Flag. The highest point of the three-day celebration was the Holy Eucharist presided over by His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Bishop Paul Mattekatt, Bishop of Diphu, on Sunday, January 18, 2026. About 4,000 faithful participated in the Eucharistic celebration, during which the Bishop also administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 180 young people.
In his homily, the Bishop expressed his joy at being present for the parish’s annual gathering. Reflecting on the theme of the Sobha, “Evangelization,” and the Scripture readings of the day, he urged the faithful to live lives pleasing to God and to become authentic witnesses of faith, like John the Baptist who pointed the Saviour to others. “Today the Church needs your witness; your families need your witness; your villages need your witness,” he said, encouraging all to let the spiritual activities of the Sobha bear fruit in their daily lives. After the celebration of the Mass, the faithful devotedly participated in Eucharistic procession.
Throughout, speakers reflected on Jesus’ Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). Various aspects of evangelization were explored by the preachers, including Fr. Christi, the Parish Priest, Fr. Charles Sangma, Fr. Daniel Sangma, Fr. Remol Marak (a local priest now serving as a missionary in Tripura), and Sr. Christina Ch. Sangma, who hails from Jalpara B village and is presently working in Tripura. The theme was chosen in view of the Church’s preparation for the Great Jubilee of 2033.
The three-day program included daily Mass, Eucharistic adoration, the solemn recitation of the Rosary, a Marian procession, Eucharistic procession, Bible sharing and group discussion thus offering the faithful deep moments of prayer and spiritual renewal.
Cultural programs held on three consecutive evenings energized the youth and provided them an opportunity to showcase their singing and dancing talents. Youth from other denominations too participated in the shows.
The Sobha was inaugurated on January 16 by Fr. Abraham Kanattu, Rector and Parish Priest of Sojong, with the hoisting of the Parish Flag and the celebration of the inaugural Mass. The event concluded on January 19 with the final Eucharistic celebration and the lowering of the Flag, led by Fr. Albert.
The resounding success of the Sobha was made possible by the united efforts of the host village, the generous support of all the other villages, the dedicated leadership of church workers, and the guidance of the resident priests and sisters.
The parish community now looks forward with enthusiasm to the 2027 Annual Sobha, which will be hosted by Satgaon village.
News Courtesy: Fr Albert Thyrniang SDB
