Chapel impacts community spiritually and socially

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries had the donor funding for a new chapel dedicated to St. Mark the Evangelist in Guragalam, a village located in the Shali Gouraram Mandal of the Nalgonda District in Telangana State, India. The funding came from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The area is largely dependent on subsistence agriculture, with most families engaged in small-scale farming and daily wage labor for their livelihood. Economic opportunities are limited, and many households face financial instability. Basic facilities such as roads, healthcare and educational resources remain inadequate, posing ongoing challenges for the overall development of the community. Despite these difficulties, people are resilient, deeply rooted in their faith, and maintain a strong sense of community and mutual support.

The new chapel has been furnished with essential liturgical and devotional items, creating a dignified space for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and other services. A properly constructed altar serves as the heart of the liturgical celebrations. The chapel and furnishings have deepened devotion, encouraging active participation and strengthening the faith life of the village community.

A Salesian explained, “The chapel has had a profound and transformative impact on the life of the community, both spiritually and socially. Many who did not attend services regularly have gradually returned, finding the chapel offers a sense of belonging, peace and spiritual nourishment. In addition, the collective effort involved in building the chapel brought people together across families and groups, fostering reconciliation, mutual support, and a stronger sense of identity. The chapel now stands as a visible sign of their common faith and collective commitment.”

The involvement of youth, women, and village elders in planning and implementation has enhanced their confidence, organizational skills, and sense of ownership. This has created a more participatory and responsible community structure for future initiatives. Furthermore, the chapel serves as a space for education. It provides opportunities for catechesis, moral guidance and community gatherings, contributing to the holistic development of the village.

Mathias Ch. Marak, a 48-year-old farmer and Catholic, said, “I want our children to grow in faith and unity, and to have more opportunities than we had. Before the chapel, one of the major challenges the community faced was the lack of a proper place for prayer and worship. We had to gather in small houses or temporary places. It was not always possible for everyone to come together. This impacted regular participation in prayer and weakened the sense of unity among the faithful.”

He added, “With the new chapel, we have a proper place to pray. More people are coming for Mass and Rosary. It has brought us closer to God and to one another.” Looking ahead, Marak hopes the chapel will continue to guide and strengthen the village. “I want our community to remain united and strong in faith. We should take care of this chapel and use it well for prayer and for guiding our children. We are grateful to those who made this possible.”

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India