INDIA: Village of Jongchipara has new chapel thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
Chapel provides more accessibility in rural area
INDIA
(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have a new chapel in the village of Jongchipara, located in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, India, thanks to donor funding. The funding was provided by Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The chapel has been constructed and fitted with basic furnishings and facilities.
The chapel provides families with a nearby and accessible place for Holy Mass, prayer, catechesis, and the sacraments. It also offers a regular space for youth catechism, gatherings and faith education, helping youth grow in Christian values. Further, the chapel makes participation in prayer and pastoral activities easier for those who find it difficult to travel long distances.
Father Denis Toju Sangma, the parish priest of Gojapara who initiated the chapel project and guided its completion, said, “The chapel has strengthened the spiritual and community life of Jongchipara and brought the Church closer to the people, especially the young and the poor, in the spirit of Don Bosco.”
Jongchipara is a rural village surrounded by hills. Most families depend on small-scale farming and daily-wage labor for their livelihood. The community faces challenges such as limited economic opportunities, poverty and the distance from essential services. Before the construction of the chapel, the people had to travel a considerable distance to participate in Holy Mass and other pastoral activities.
One of the parishioners is Kidro Sangma, who noted, “Before we had this chapel, it was difficult for many of us to participate regularly in Holy Mass and other church activities because we had to travel a long distance. This was especially difficult for elderly people, children and families. The chapel is a great blessing for our community. Now we have a place of our own where we can come together to pray, celebrate Mass, receive the sacraments and strengthen our faith. It has brought great joy and hope to the people.”
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Sources:
Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)
Salesian Missions – India
World Bank – India
