On maiden visit to Garo Hills, Pope’s envoy celebrates Holy Mass at Tura
Tura, Mar 2: The Public Reception was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, along with the MCD of Tura, Bernard N Marak.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has highlighted the significant contribution of the Catholic Church in Meghalaya, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and various other sectors that have transformed the lives of countless people.
Addressing a public reception of Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio (Pope’s Ambassador) to India and Nepal at Sacred Heart Shrine, Tura, the Chief Minister described the Nuncio as a “simple, humble and approachable person.”
Noting that he had travelled to every nook and corner of India, Sangma said the Nuncio had earlier visited Meghalaya five times, primarily to Shillong.
Earlier, the Nuncio celebrated Holy Mass at the Cathedral Parish, Tura, making it a historic and spiritually enriching occasion for the faithful of the region.
He was accorded a warm and traditional welcome by the clergy, religious, and faithful upon his arrival in Tura. The Holy Mass witnessed the participation of priests from across the Diocese who concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration.
Most Rev. Leopoldo Girelli was received by representatives of various parishes, Church organizations, and lay faithful.
In his address, Girelli remarked that the gathering reflected the strong bonds that unite the Church and the people of the Garo Hills.
Referring to Tura as richly blessed with natural beauty, vibrant traditions, and a deep sense of community, he emphasized that above all, the people are blessed with the gift of faith that has taken deep root and borne abundant fruit.
The Nuncio noted that earlier generations received the Gospel with courage and conviction and built churches, schools, and institutions not merely of brick and stone, but of living faith.
He urged the faithful to cherish this precious inheritance and to pass on an even stronger faith to future generations.
He also appreciated the good cooperation extended by the State Government and acknowledged the presence of committed Catholic lay faithful serving in public life.
While vocations are gradually increasing, he observed that the number of new priests and religious remains insufficient, particularly as many senior priests are aging and each priest now serves thousands of faithful.
The day’s programme concluded on a note of unity, faith, and renewed commitment, marking a historic occasion for the Diocese of Tura and the faithful of the Garo Hills as Apostolic Nuncio was accorded the status of a State Guest, making the visit both diplomatic and pastoral in nature.
