Many young people now participating in activities

(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has funded the construction of the new St. Thérèse of Lisieux Chapel, located in Monjurgaon, part of the Kumarikata Parish in Assam, India. The chapel has also been furnished with liturgical and devotional items. The new chapel has strengthened the faith, unity, leadership, and hope among the marginalized Santali Catholic community, laying a solid foundation for the chapel to become a lasting center of worship, formation, and community life.

Monjurgaon is situated in the remote and forested foothills along the Assam–Bhutan border, an area that is difficult to access, which limits government services and development initiatives. The local economy is fragile and largely dependent on subsistence agriculture and casual daily labor, with very limited employment opportunities. Most families struggle with chronic poverty, unemployment and seasonal migration. The community also faces serious challenges such as frequent flooding during monsoons, harsh winter conditions, destruction of homes and crops by wild elephants, illiteracy, alcohol addiction, and social marginalization due to their migrant Santali identity and Christian faith.

With the chapel, people now have a dignified and permanent place for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, sacraments, and communal prayer. Regular Sunday Mass, feast-day celebrations, and devotional practices such as the Way of the Cross and Divine Mercy prayers have strengthened personal faith and renewed commitment to Christian life. The visible presence of the chapel has deepened the people’s sense of belonging to the church and has instilled pride and confidence in their Christian identity.

In addition, the chapel now serves as a safe and nurturing space for catechism classes, youth meetings, and faith formation activities. This has encouraged regular participation, discipline, and leadership among the youth, helping to reduce the risks of school dropout, substance abuse, and unsafe migration. Many young people have begun to take active roles in liturgy, choir and community service.

Women, who form a majority in the community, also now have a secure place to gather for prayer, reflection, and community activities. The chapel has strengthened family life by encouraging shared participation in worship and Christian values, promoting harmony, moral formation, and mutual respect within households.

Simon Tudu, village catechist, said, “Before the chapel was built, we did not have a proper place for Mass or prayer. During the rains or winter, it was almost impossible to gather. Many people slowly stopped coming for prayer. Children had no fixed place for catechism. Spiritually, people were losing enthusiasm and hope. Now, everyone talks about the new chapel with joy. Most people feel proud that we built this chapel together. Even some non-Christian neighbors appreciate the beauty and discipline of our community. There is more respect for us.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India