Rt. Rev. Thomas Pulloppillil, Bishop of Bongaigaon and others at the blessing of the new chapel at Naekgaon Garo Village of Kokrajhar.
A day of immense joy, gratitude, and spiritual renewal unfolded at Naekgaon Garo Village as the faithful gathered in large numbers for the Blessing and Inauguration of the newly built St. Paul Chapel on 29th November 2025. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the community, which had long awaited a dedicated place of worship to nurture their faith and strengthen their Christian fellowship.
The celebration began at 9:30 a.m., with parishioners, benefactors, and well-wishers assembling in the courtyard of the new chapel, beautifully adorned for the occasion. The atmosphere was filled with prayerful anticipation as people from nearby villages also joined to witness this cherished moment in the history of Naekgaon.
The blessing of the chapel was solemnly administered by Rt. Rev. Thomas Pulloppillil, Bishop of the Diocese of Bongaigaon. During the rite of blessing, the Bishop invoked God’s grace upon the new sacred space, emphasizing the importance of a chapel as the spiritual heart of a village, where the faithful gather to pray, celebrate the sacraments, and deepen their relationship with God. He encouraged the people to make St. Paul Chapel a beacon of hope and a sanctuary of peace for generations to come.
Following the blessing, the chapel was officially inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Bivan Rodriques Mukhim SDB, Vice Provincial who represented Rev Fr Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Guwahati. The newly inaugurated chapel stands as a symbol of unity and faith, featuring a spacious prayer hall, graceful architecture, and a serene environment that invites contemplation and devotion. For the villagers, the chapel represents not only a house of worship but also a testament to their collective dedication and unwavering trust in God’s providence.
Fr. Francis Basumatary SDB, Rector and Parish Priest of St. John Bosco Parish, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all benefactors who made the dream of the Naekgaon Chapel a reality. He thanked the Bishop, the Vice Provincial, the Salesian community, the Salesian Priests who were present, village leaders, and the faithful for their continued support and collaboration. He also acknowledged Mr. Santanu Marak, the village secretary, for coordinating the preparations leading up to the event.
