The blessing and inauguration of the newly constructed St. Teresa’s Chapel in Salbari on March 15, 2026 marked a luminous milestone in the life of St. Michael’s Parish, Damra. The solemn ceremony was presided over by Archbishop John Moolachira in the gracious presence of ten priests, several religious nuns, and a large gathering of the faithful. Despite heavy rain and a thunderstorm, the chapel was filled to overflowing, and in a moment that brought joy to all, the rain subsided and the sun broke through the clouds as the celebration began.

The journey to the chapel, located about 1.5 kilometers from the main road, was not without difficulty. The untarmacked path had turned into slush due to the rain, yet the challenging conditions only deepened the spirit of devotion and anticipation. Along the way, families transformed their homes into welcoming shrines with images of Jesus, fluttering flags, and glowing candles powerful expressions of a faith-filled community eagerly awaiting the blessing of their new house of worship.

In his homily, Archbishop Moolachira called upon the faithful to renew their commitment to living and witnessing the Gospel in their daily lives. He emphasized that the chapel is not merely a physical structure but a living source of grace a center for prayer, catechesis, and evangelization. Drawing from the Gospel of the day, he reflected on the healing of the blind man at Siloam, comparing it to the inauguration of the chapel as a moment of spiritual awakening and illumination for the community. He encouraged the faithful to embrace this sacred space as a place of renewal, guiding them toward deeper faith and compassionate service.

The Parish Priest extended a warm welcome to the Archbishop and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the villagers for their tireless efforts and generous contributions. The successful completion of the chapel stands as a testimony to the unity, sacrifice, and dedication of the local community. The presence of clergy, religious, and faithful from neighboring areas further highlighted the strong bonds of faith and fellowship.

Situated close to the homes of the villagers, St. Teresa’s Chapel promises to be a vital center for spiritual nourishment and community life. As Salbari begins this new chapter, the chapel stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of God’s abiding presence. It is expected to strengthen family life, inspire vocations, and deepen the mission of the parish to spread the message of love, justice, and peace throughout the region.