(ANS – Diphu) – From 7-10 November Diphu Diocese celebrated the centenary of the arrival of the faith among the Karbis. During these 100 years the Salesians contributed greatly to the growth of the local Church.

by Bivan Mukhim, SDB

The celebrations were declared open by Rt Rev Paul Mattekatt, Bishop of Diphu with the theme “Thy Kingdom Come” amid great jubilation and gratitude to God and to the pioneering missionaries.

The inaugural programme was marked by significant moments like the prayer service, lighting of the lamp, the keynote  address, hoisting of the centenary flag, commemoration of the deceased missionaries and the releasing of 100 balloons.

During the symposium Fr Joseph Teron, the first Karbi Salesian priest, spoke about “The arrival and spread of the Catholic faith among the Karbis”. Fr John Timung, the first Karbi priest and Vicar General of the Diocese, gave a talk on “The need to strengthen and spread the faith further”. Fr Nelson Teron, another dynamic young Karbi priest, spoke on “The impact of the Catholic Church among the Karbis”.

In the evening a Centenary Memorial Grotto was inaugurated at the Cathedral parish complex by Mrs Veronique Vogel from Kirche in Not, Germany.  Fr Joseph Teron, coordinator of the Seminar, guided the delegates in a workshop to draw up an Action Plan.

On Sunday, 9 November, Bishop James Thoppil of Kohima presided over the Solemn Holy Eucharist with Bishop Paul Mattekatt and about 50 priests concelebrating. Soon after the Holy Mass a colourful procession went through Diphu town with the Blessed Sacrament, accompanied by bands from Don Bosco Sojong and Little Flower Manja.

Mrs Veronique Vogel, the Chief Guest, conferred the different Centenary Awards during the cultural programme in the evening. With the singing of the Centenary Anthem the curtain was brought down on the Centenary Celebrations.

The Salvatorians were the first to evangelize the Karbis. They were followed by the Jesuits in 1916. The Salesians entered the scene within less than a year of their arrival in the Northeast. Among the early Salesian missionaries who did pastoral work in Karbi Anglong were Fr Emmanuel Bars, Fr Constantine Vendrame, Fr Vargo, Fr Carmello, Fr Peter Tonello, Fr Orestes Marengo, who later became a bishop, Monsignor Stephen Ferrando, Fr Mario Botto, Fr Vergil Albera, Fr R. Dossi, Fr Vicor Mauri, Fr Julious Costa, Fr Francis Smith, Fr Michael Devalle, Fr George Vannie, Fr Sylvanus Sngi Lyngdoh, and Fr Michael Blavoine.

The Diocese of Diphu was erected on 5 December 1983, with Rt Rev Mathai Kochuparampil, SDB as its first bishop. The Salesians contributed greatly to the growth of the Church in Karbi Anglong. At present there are 24 parishes in the diocese. The Salesians are still deeply involved in the growth and expansion of the Church in the region, especially in the western part of Karbi Anglong.

Published 18/11/2014