Entire village contributes labor, support

(MissionNewswire) The Don Bosco Chapel, located in Nongkaniang, a village in Meghalaya, India, has been completed thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. An older chapel was used as the foundation to expand and build a larger, newer chapel.

A Salesian explained, “This delicate work required patience and coordination, as the old structure held years of memories and prayer for the community. This process required careful dismantling and alignment so that the old structure could be safely joined with the new construction. The work was carried out by skilled laborers, including masons, welders and carpenters. Their efforts were consistently supported by six to eight volunteers from the village who assisted on a regular basis.”

The entire village community came together to contribute their labor and support. This collective involvement reflected a deep sense of ownership, cooperation and shared commitment toward the successful completion of the chapel.

The Salesian added, “The completion of the chapel brought deep satisfaction and pride to the community. The chapel now serves as a central place where the community gathers as one family to worship and celebrate their faith. It has strengthened their sense of unity, belonging and connection with the wider church. As a visible sign of faith, the chapel stands as a lasting spiritual anchor for the people of Nongkaniang and will continue to inspire and guide future generations. In gratitude for the support received, the faithful have committed themselves to remember their benefactors in prayer whenever they gather in the chapel.”

Trephina Nonglang and Patricia Wanniang, two members of the community, shared that the chapel has always been a dream for the people of Nongkaniang. They recalled how the community prayed for many years, hoping for a place where they could gather without fear of weather or a shortage of space. During the construction, they witnessed the unity of the village, as men, women, and youth came forward to contribute in whatever way they could, whether through labor, materials, or preparing meals for workers. They both expressed deep gratitude to Salesian Missions and its donors as well as Father Genesius Wanniang for making this dream a reality.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India