The Catholic community of Paneri New Line celebrated a significant milestone in faith and community life with the blessing and inauguration of the newly constructed St. Anthony Chapel on Sunday, 13 September 2026. The chapel, serving around 65 Catholic families, was blessed by Most Rev. Michael Akasius Toppo, Bishop of Tezpur, and inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB, Provincial.

The solemn occasion witnessed the presence of Rev. Fr. Jayaprakash Anthonimuthu SDB, Economer, Rev. Fr. Bhaskar Raj Chinthamalla SDB, Rector and Parish Priest of Tangla, along with Salesian priests, religious and parish representatives. Nearly 3,500 faithful from Paneri New Line and neighbouring areas gathered to participate in the blessing and the Eucharistic celebration.

Before the Holy Mass, Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal SDB formally inaugurated the chapel by cutting the ribbon. Speaking on the occasion, the Provincial appreciated the local community for the hard work, commitment and dedication towards the construction of the chapel. He acknowledged the generosity and active participation of the faithful, whose efforts contributed significantly to making the new place of worship a reality.

The inauguration was followed by the solemn blessing of the chapel by Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo, who presided over the Holy Eucharist. In his homily, the Bishop reflected on the profound significance of a chapel as the House of God—a sacred place where the faithful gather to pray, encounter God and offer themselves to Him.

Bishop Toppo reminded the congregation that the newly blessed chapel should always remain a true House of God, where holiness and prayer are given the highest priority. He encouraged the faithful to make the chapel a place of deep faith, prayer and communion with God.

The Bishop also expressed his appreciation and congratulations to the Parish Priest, the Salesian community of Tangla and the faithful of Paneri New Line for their initiative and efforts in constructing the chapel. He particularly appreciated the congregation for their active involvement and generous support in the pastoral and developmental activities of the parish.

The Eucharistic celebration brought together the faithful in thanksgiving for the new place of worship and for the blessings received by the community.

Following the Holy Mass, a cultural programme was organised, providing an opportunity for the community to celebrate the occasion with joy and fellowship. A special blessing was also given to the children who had received their First Holy Communion, making the celebration especially meaningful for them and their families.

News Courtesy: Fr. Bhaskar Raj Chinthamalla SDB