The Priestly Ordination of Dn. Peter Canisius A. Sangma, SDB was solemnly celebrated at Sacred Heart Parish, Dalu, on Saturday, 24 January 2026. The Eucharistic celebration was held in the presence of a large gathering of the faithful, Salesian confreres, family members, religious, and well-wishers.

His Excellency Most Rev. Andrew R. Marak, Bishop of Tura, ordained Dn. Peter Canisius Sangma to the sacred order of priesthood. In his homily, the Bishop highlighted the dignity and responsibility of the priestly vocation. He stated that the life of a priest should be “like a magnet that attracts people” and reminded that the primary responsibility of a priest is to sanctify God’s people. Addressing the newly ordained priest, the Bishop exhorted him to “live what you teach and believe what you preach.” He also encouraged the faithful to respect priests as the chosen servants of God and urged them to pray for all priests, especially for the newly ordained Fr. Peter Canisius Sangma.

The ordination ceremony was graced by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal, SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Guwahati; Rev. Fr. Januarius S. Sangma, SDB, Former Provincial; and a large number of priests, religious, and lay faithful, who gathered in prayer to seek God’s blessings for the new priest.

During the felicitation programme, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal, SDB, congratulated the newly ordained priest and reminded him to realise deeply that he is now a priest of the Church. The Provincial expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Andrew R. Marak for conferring the sacrament of Holy Orders and thanked Rev. Fr. Cyril Sangma, Parish Priest of Dalu, along with the parishioners, for the meticulous organisation of the ordination ceremony. He also invited the congregation to continue praying for the new priest.

In his felicitation address, Bishop Andrew R. Marak congratulated Fr. Peter Canisius Sangma and reflected on the growth of the Diocese of Tura. He joyfully noted that when the Diocese celebrated its Golden Jubilee, it aspired to have 50 Garo priests, a dream that has been fulfilled with 55 priests today. He thanked God for His blessings and encouraged continued prayer for vocations from the Garo Hills. The Bishop also expressed his appreciation to the Salesian Congregation and the Province of Guwahati for guiding and forming the new priest.

Expressing his gratitude, Rev. Fr. Peter Canisius Sangma, SDB, thanked God for the gift of priesthood, Bishop Andrew R. Marak for ordaining him, the Provincial and his Council, and all the priests, religious, and lay faithful who accompanied him with their prayers and presence. He also thanked the choir and all those who contributed to making his priestly ordination a memorable and grace-filled celebration.