Village community helps with construction of chapel

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries in the village of West Arnibil, located in Assam, India, completed the St. Jude Chapel thanks to donor support from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.

With the funding, Salesians were able to build the chapel, plaster and paint inside, complete wiring for lights and fans, and build the portico and altar for Mass. A ladder was also installed to the roof to pay homage to St. Jude and Blessed Mother Mary.

The village community worked together to complete the chapel, preparing the ground and giving their time and energy for the construction. Every day four to five families arrived to help the masons.

One of those benefiting from the new structure is Vincent Lakra, catechist of the village. He has a wife and two children and comes from a small community known as Adivasis. Before the chapel was built, people had to use a small hut to gather for lessons. There was no room to sit and pray together and no roof to keep out the rain. Lakra is now confident that people will come together more comfortably for the lessons that he teaches.

A Salesian explained, “The people are happy to see a beautiful chapel for them to come and sit and pray. It brings togetherness and people are proud to have a solid structure.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India