St Paul’s Catholic Mission, Panishali
St Paul’s Catholic Mission, Panishali, was opened on February 3, 1995 under the Archdiocese of Guwahati, Assam. Panishali, about 200 km away from the state capital city Guwahati, is situated in Goalpara district of Assam, bordering Garo Hills of Meghalaya. The area is inhabited by different tribes, namely Garos, Rabhas, Boros, Koch, Kachari and Muslims. Prior to the establishment of this parish, the catholic community of panishali was under the pastoral care of the Tikkrikilla Parish under Tura Diocese. When the new Diocese of Guwahati was erected, geographically these villages became part of the new diocese and a new parish became a necessity to cater to the spiritual needs of the people.
The centre was opened by Fr Paul Parekkattil mst, with the help of late Fr E.V. George of Tikkrikilla Parish. Though it was opened for the Rabhas, they did not welcome Christianity. Initially, they were even unwilling to send their children to the school for fear of being converted. As of now, they feel confident about the education provided in catholic school and a good number of students from Rabha community come to the school. But sad to say that there are no catholics among the Rabhas of this region.
After Fr Paul, it was tended by Fr George Olickal mst, from 1997 to 1998. When he moved out to Bhalukdubi, Goalpara, to open a centre there, Fr John D’souza of Guwahati diocese was made the Parish Priest (1998-2001). From 2001 to 2004, Fr Crosper Sangma was the Parish Priest. In 2004, the centre was handed over to the Cappuchian Congregation and Fr Siby was made the Parish Priest. During his time, the parish church and the present school building were constructed.
In February 2007, the MSFS took up the centre with Fr John Kelamkuzhackal (2007-10) as Parish Priest and Headmaster. During this time the rubber plantation was initiated and it proved successful. The plantation began yielding income to the parish from 2015. Fr Jose Thekkel is served the centre as Parish Priest and Headmaster of the high school from 2010.
The Mission has five Garo villages: namely Galchira, Kariapara, Lower Thorko, Rongsai and Upper Thorko and two Boro Christian families. There are 760 catholics from 150 families. The people in this area are poor and illiterate being mainly daily wage workers.
HOSTEL
There are hostels for the boys and girls. To promote and nurture the Christian faith, the parish has activities such as Retreats, Conventions, Sunday School, Annual Sabha, Youth Ministry and Pious Associations. There are monthly meetings of village catechists, Sodality of Our Lady and the Youth. Blessing of the Catholic houses in the Easter season and carol singing in every family during Christmas are customary practices. In the month of November, the tombs of all the believers are blessed and Holy Mass offered for the departed are offered in every village.
MSMHC Sisters: Tezpur Province
The MSMHC Sisters of St Joseph’s province serve at the centre, in the Parish and in the School. They also run a health centre to cater to the health needs of the local people. The pioneers of Ferrando Convent established on April 23, 1996 were Srs Virginia Kujur and Justina Basumatary.
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SL. NO |
PARISH PRIEST |
YEAR |
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1 |
Fr John Kelamkuzhackal |
2007-10 |
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2 |
Fr Jose Thekkel |
2010 2017 |
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4 |
Fr. Peter Marak |
2017 - |
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SL. NO |
ASST. PARISH PRIEST |
YEAR |
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1 |
Mathew Edattu |
2010-2011 |
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2 |
Jijesh Palatty |
2011- 2012 |
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3 |
Sebastian Paredom |
2013-2014 |
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4 |
Priyor Khonsit |
2017- |
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