In a moment of profound joy and thanksgiving, the newly constructed St Thomas Church at Kankatta village under Mazbat Parish, near the Missionary Aspirantate, Sirajuli, was solemnly blessed by Michael Akasius Toppo, Bishop of Tezpur, and inaugurated by Sebastian Kuricheal, Provincial on 17 February 2026.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was attended by priests, religious, benefactors, and a large number of faithful from Kankatta and neighboring villages. The ceremony began with the blessing of the new church building, followed by the Holy Mass offered in thanksgiving to God for the gift of this beautiful house of worship.

In his homily, Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Salesians for their dedicated initiatives in constructing the church. He appreciated their missionary zeal and commitment to strengthening the faith of the people in the region. The Bishop exhorted the faithful to adorn this sacred space not merely with decorations, but with their fervent prayers, active participation, and vibrant Christian witness. “May this church dedicated to St Thomas help you to grow in faith and in the love of God,” he prayed, encouraging the community to make the church the center of their spiritual life.

In his message, Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal, SDB, Provincial, highlighted that the construction of the chapel dedicated to St Thomas was made possible through the generous support of benefactors from the United States and the Salesian Mission Office, New Rochelle. He expressed sincere gratitude to all the donors for their kindness and solidarity with the mission in Northeast India. He also requested the faithful of Kankatta village to remember the benefactors in their prayers and to make the best use of this chapel to deepen their faith and strengthen their sacramental life.

The celebration concluded with words of thanksgiving from the parish community, who expressed their joy at receiving a permanent place of worship.