In a significant pastoral and diplomatic visit, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, made a brief but momentous stop at Don Bosco Mendal on Saturday 28 February 2026, en route to Tura. The visit, which saw the convergence of senior church officials and the Meghalaya Chief Minister, drew a massive crowd of approximately five thousand faithful who turned out to greet the Vatican’s representative.

Archbishop Girelli arrived at Gokul field via helicopter at 12:15 PM, accompanied by Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma and the Auxiliary Bishop of Tura, Jose Chirackal. From the helipad, the Nuncio traveled by vehicle to the Don Bosco parish, where devotees lined both sides of the road, enthusiastically waving the papal flag to welcome him.

Upon arrival at the parish, the Archbishop had a brief refreshment before proceeding to the school grounds for a formal felicitation program that lasted an hour. The event was a display of the deep-rooted faith in the region, bringing together clergy, students, and the local community. The gathering concluded with a meal at the parish before the delegation continued its journey to Tura.

Rev. Fr. Tomey Anikuzhikattil SDB, the Rector and Parish Priest of Mendal, officially welcomed the distinguished visitors.

In his address to the assembled thousands, Archbishop Girelli praised the vitality and growth of the Catholic Church in Meghalaya. He made special note of the strong faith and development in the Garo Hills region, commending the dedicated work being carried out in the various parishes of the diocese.

“The Church in Meghalaya, particularly here in the Garo Hills, is a beacon of faith and service,” the Nuncio was quoted as saying during the program.

Bishop Jose Chirackal, Auxiliary Bishop of Tura took the opportunity to formally address the gathering, highlighting the impressive growth of the diocese and presenting a brief biography, expressing deep appreciation for the Nuncio’s visit as a sign of the Holy See’s closeness to the local Church.

Taking the stage, Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma expressed his delight at being part of the historic occasion. He acknowledged the significant role of the Church in the region’s social and educational sectors. Notably, Chief Minister Sangma remarked that Archbishop Girelli has visited Meghalaya six times during his tenure, underscoring the strong and cordial relationship between the Vatican’s diplomatic mission and the state.

The massive turnout of around five thousand people for the brief stopover underscored the deep affection for the Church leadership and the significance of the Apostolic Nuncio’s visit to this remote part of Meghalaya.