The faithful of Kabirali Parish, along with members of the Salesian Province of Guwahati, witnessed a moment of profound joy and grace as Deacon Sebastian Basumatari, SDB, was ordained a priest at St. Joseph Parish, Kabirali on 14 April 2026. The solemn Eucharistic celebration commenced at 10:30 AM and was presided over by Most Rev. Michael Akasius Toppo, DD, Bishop of Tezpur.

In his homily, Bishop Toppo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the newly ordained priest for generously responding to God’s call. He also extended his appreciation to the family members for offering their son to the service of the Church. Acknowledging the role of formation, the Bishop thanked the Salesian Province of Guwahati and the Congregation of Holy Cross for their dedicated efforts in shaping and guiding the candidates. He further appreciated the Parish of Kabirali for its meticulous preparation for the sacred celebration.

Emphasizing the dignity and responsibility of priesthood, the Bishop reminded the faithful that priesthood is a divine gift meant for the service of God’s people. He urged the congregation to keep the newly ordained priest in their prayers and exhorted the ordinand to live his priestly vocation with commitment and zeal.

The rite of ordination began with the presentation of the deacon by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal, SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Guwahati. The faithful actively participated in the solemn liturgy, invoking God’s blessings upon the newly ordained priest as he embarks on his ministerial journey.

During the felicitation programme that followed, Rev. Fr. K.G. Abraham, CSC, Provincial of the Holy Cross Congregation, Northeast Province, expressed his gratitude to the Bishop for ordaining the new priests. In his address, he remarked, “We thank you for your fidelity and your daily ‘yes’. We assure you of our prayers and gratitude to your family. The Salesians and Holy Cross are proud of you. Dear Bishop, you have ordained four of our priests and twenty-two Salesians. We thank you for your continued support and assure you of our cooperation in your mission.”

The celebration concluded on a note of thanksgiving and joy, as the Church welcomed a new priest dedicated to the service of God and His people.