Redeemer Renewal Centre, Mawkhlam

Mawkhlam is located in the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya and falls under the Diocese of Nongstoin. The district was carved out of the Khasi Hills District on October 28, 1976, with Nongstoin serving as its district headquarters.

Vision for a Renewal Centre

The establishment of a Renewal Centre had long been a cherished dream of the faithful in the Diocese of Nongstoin. This vision began to take shape when the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS) from the Holy Redeemer Renewal Centre (HRRC), Umroi responded to the invitation of Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, Bishop of Nongstoin, to conduct Charismatic Bible Conventions in the diocese.

Beginning of the Bible Conventions

On February 13, 2010, the MSFS missionaries organized the first Bible Convention at Mawkhlam on a trial basis. The response from the people was overwhelmingly positive. Encouraged by this response, it was decided to conduct the Bible Convention regularly on the second Saturday of every month.

These gatherings soon became a source of spiritual renewal for many faithful in the diocese. Large numbers of people began attending the conventions to listen to the Word of God, seek prayer, and experience spiritual transformation. Many testified to personal conversions and healing experiences during these gatherings.

Establishment of the Renewal Centre

As the participation grew, the faithful felt the need for priests to reside permanently in the area so that they could easily access prayer support, spiritual guidance, and counseling. Since the MSFS priests from Umroi returned after each convention, the need for a permanent centre became more evident.

Recognizing the importance of this ministry, Bishop Victor Lyngdoh expressed his appreciation for the preaching ministry of the MSFS and invited them to establish a Renewal Centre in the Diocese of Nongstoin. He approached Fr Francis Thadathil, the Provincial, requesting the MSFS congregation to start a retreat centre in the diocese and promised full support for the initiative.

Beginning of the Mission at Mawkhlam

In response to this request, Fr Joby Kurikilamkattu MSFS arrived at Mawkhlam on April 11, 2011, to begin the mission and lay the foundation for a prayer and retreat centre. He initially stayed in the LP School building near the old church for more than a year, accompanied by Fr Mathew Edattu.

Later, the present retreat centre was constructed on about 4½ acres of land generously provided by the Bishop and the local village church community.