Sohra, Jan 13: Two hectic days engulfed in marathon meetings at the first ever cabinet retreat finally over, policy making made way for seeking divine intervention as Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Sunday offered prayers at St. John Bosco Shrine in Sohra where a sacred relic of the saint is placed.
The chief minister took a moment of silence after church service to offer a special prayer before the relic of the saint that has been placed in the church since it was brought over from Turin in Italy in the year 2006.
A life sized replica of John Bosco’s body placed inside the church contains a bone from the right hand of the saint and is revered as a ‘relic’.
The oldest church founded by the Catholic missionaries at Sohra – The Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus, was built in 1905 by the Society of Divine Saviour Salvatorian.
In awe of the heritage church that stands tall even to this day as a beacon of strength and solace, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma suggested that a map of Sohra, with different landmark and historic place of relevance should be identified and promoted, so that visitors to this picturesque Sohra can appreciate the history and the past.
At the church premises, a pine tree planted in 1905 during the opening of the church reminds visitors of the greatness of the missionaries, who founded the church to preach love and compassion.
Last year, the church was renovated. However, the wooden carving of Jesus Christ, Joseph and Mary has been preserved in its entirety.
