St. Francis de Sales Parish, Somonpara
Somonpara, located under West Garo Hills, is 35 km away from Tura, its headquarters. The district occupies an area of 3714 km² and has a population over five lakhs. In 2013 Most Rev. Andrew R. Marak, Bishop of Tura, invited the MSFS to look into the possibility of opening a retreat centre in the diocese. In the process of dialogue between the two sides regarding the matter the Provincial Administration expressed its desire to make the proposed retreat centre and a parish. And the administration in principle agreed to open a retreat centre in the diocese. As a result, Somonpara parish was entrusted to the MSFS by the Diocese of Tura.
Fr Saji Kaippallil msfs was appointed to the mission and he came to stay at the present site on December 4, 2013. The new parish of Mary Mother of Compassion was canonically erected and Fr Saji Kaippapllil was officially installed as its first Parish Priest on March 2, 2015, by most Rev. Andrew R. Marak, Bishop of Tura in the presence of Rev. Fr George Panthanmackel msfs, the former Provincial of MSFS Northeast India Province. The Parish was constituted by taking villages from St Mathew’s Church, Rimrangpara, St Dominic Savio’s Church, Garobadha, St Peter’s Church, Purakasia, and Sacred Heart Church, Tura. There were around 320 families spread over 40 villages. Pious associations like Marian Sodality, St Joseph’s Sodality, ICYM, Laity
Association, Sunday school and Parish Retreat Team were formed to cater to pastoral needs of the scattered Catholic population. These associations gave vitality and strength to the Parish and the Parish has a dynamic Parish Pastoral Council officially approved by the Bishop.
To celebrate Golden Jubilee of Catholic faith in Dabelagre, a new village chapel was blessed by Most Rev. Andrew R. Marak, the Bishop of Tura, on April 27, 2015. Fr Saji Kaippallil was transferred in August 2015 and Fr John Kelamkuzhackal msfs was appointed as Parish Priest and Headmaster in his place.
Moved by the poor economic conditions of the people, Developmental work activities under FAsCE India was introduced. An Ambulance Service was launched in 2014 and more developmental works were introduced in 2015-16. Formation of SHGs was introduced in 2016.
Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI)
Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI), popularly known as “Green Garden Sisters” assist the parish in its ministries. They began to collaborate with the MSFS from July 5th 2016.
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PARISH PRIEST |
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Saji Kaippallil |
2013-2014, 2014-2015 |
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John Kelamkuzhackal |
2015 - |
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