St. Paul’s Catholic Mission – Panishali

St. Paul’s Catholic Mission, Panishali, was opened on February 3, 1995, under the Archdiocese of Guwahati, Assam. Located about 200 km from Guwahati in the Goalpara District, the mission lies near the border of the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. The region is home to diverse communities including Garos, Rabhas, Boros, Koch, Kacharis, and Muslims.

Before the establishment of this mission, the Catholic faithful of Panishali were under the pastoral care of Tikkrikilla Parish in the Diocese of Tura. With the creation of the Archdiocese of Guwahati, these villages geographically became part of the new ecclesiastical jurisdiction, making it necessary to establish a separate mission to attend to the spiritual needs of the people.

The mission was opened by Fr. Paul Parekkattil MST, with the support of late Fr. E. V. George of Tikkrikilla Parish. Initially, the mission intended to serve the Rabha community, but they were hesitant to accept Christianity and were even reluctant to send their children to the Catholic school out of fear of conversion. Over time, however, the quality of education offered by the Catholic school gained their confidence, and today many Rabha children study there, though there are still no Catholics among them in this region.

The mission was served by several dedicated priests over the years. After Fr. Paul Parekkattil, Fr. George Olickal MST (1997–1998) took charge. When he moved to Bhalukdubi to start another centre, Fr. John D’Souza (1998–2001) from the Guwahati Diocese was appointed Parish Priest. He was followed by Fr. Crosper Sangma (2001–2004). In 2004, the mission was entrusted to the Capuchin Congregation, and during the tenure of Fr. Siby, the parish church and the present school building were constructed.

In February 2007, the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) took over the mission. Fr. John Kelamkuzhackal MSFS (2007–2010) served as Parish Priest and Headmaster. During this period, a rubber plantation was initiated, which began generating income for the parish from 2015 onwards. Fr. Jose Thekkel MSFS later continued the mission as Parish Priest and Headmaster of the High School.

Today, the mission serves five Garo villages—Galchira, Kariapara, Lower Thorko, Rongsai, and Upper Thorko—along with two Boro Christian families. The Catholic community consists of about 760 faithful from 150 families. Most of the people are economically poor and depend largely on daily wage labor for their livelihood.

Pastoral Life and Formation

The mission actively nurtures the spiritual life of the faithful through retreats, conventions, Sunday school, annual parish gatherings, youth ministry, and various pious associations. Regular meetings of village catechists, the Sodality of Our Lady, and youth groups are conducted to strengthen faith formation.

Traditional parish practices include the blessing of Catholic homes during the Easter season, carol singing in every family during Christmas, and the blessing of the tombs in November with Holy Mass offered for the departed in each village.

Hostels

The mission runs separate hostels for boys and girls, providing students from remote villages with opportunities for education and formation in a supportive environment.

MSMHC Sisters – Tezpur Province

The MSMHC Sisters of St. Joseph’s Province serve the mission through their work in the parish, school, and healthcare ministry. They also run a health centre that provides basic medical services to the local people.

The Ferrando Convent was established on April 23, 1996, with Sr. Virginia Kujur and Sr. Justina Basumatary as the pioneering sisters who began this dedicated service to the mission and the surrounding communities.