HT Correspondent
DONGKAMUKAM, Jan 19: The 45th edition of the annual Garo Catholic Sabha, hosted under the Satgaon Parish, concluded successfully on Sunday at Jalpara (B) village, marking the end of a four-day spiritual programme attended by over five thousand faithful.
The concluding day was highlighted by the Holy Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Diphu, Most Rev. Paul Mattekat, who attended the event as the chief guest. Addressing the large congregation, Bishop Mattekat delivered a sermon focusing on navigating the challenges of modern life through faith and spiritual commitment.
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The Bishop urged the faithful to become “beacons of Christ’s light” by adhering to key principles, including finding inner stability amid global challenges, showing love and compassion towards the marginalised, praying with sincerity of heart, listening daily to God’s guidance and fostering unity and dialogue within communities.
In a poignant conclusion to his homily, Bishop Mattekat called upon the congregation to overcome indifference to suffering and to remain steadfast in resisting evil through their daily actions and conduct.
The concluding Mass witnessed the participation of several clergy members and religious sisters. Among those present were Fr Albert Thyrniang, parish priest of Satgaon; Fr Abraham Kanattu, parish priest of Sojong; assistant parish priests Fr Charles Sangma and Fr Daniel Sangma and sisters Mary Hasda, Silsila Marak, Sonia Sangma and Christina Sangma, among others.
The Sabha began on Friday, January 16, with an inaugural ceremony led by Fr Abraham Kanattu. The initial days of the programme were marked by prayer, reflection and spiritual discourses, including a sermon delivered by Fr Chishti, parish priest of Silchang Parish.
Located about four kilometres from Dongkamukam, Jalpara (B) village provided a serene setting for the event, which is considered one of the most significant annual religious gatherings of the Garo Catholic community in West Karbi Anglong.
