St. Joseph’s Parish – Manikbond

St. Joseph’s Parish, Manikbond, is located in the southern part of Karimganj District in Assam, North East India. The parish lies close to the borders of the states of Mizoram and Tripura and comes under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Aizawl.

The parish was officially erected on December 14, 1995, with the aim of serving the people of the region through pastoral, educational, social, and medical ministries. The parish presently serves 18 villages for pastoral care and extends socio-economic, educational, and medical services to nearly 80 villages in the surrounding areas.

Beginning of the Mission

Originally, Manikbond was a sub-centre of Khanmun Parish. The pioneer missionary, Fr Lancelot Joseph Monteiro, played a crucial role in the growth of the Catholic community in this region. Through his dedication, leadership, and missionary zeal, he strengthened the Catholic presence and helped the community grow rapidly.

While Khanmun mission was developing, Fr Lancelot Monteiro and Fr Thomas Arthasseril planned to establish a new Catholic centre at Pipla, which is now a sub-centre under Manikbond Parish.

Birth of the Catholic Community in Manikbond

A significant turning point came in 1992 when Mr Kameswor Tripura left the Evangelical Free Church of India (EFCI) and embraced the Catholic faith along with his entire family. He generously donated a plot of land next to his house and built a small structure which was used as the first church.

A few years later, his brother and family also joined the Catholic Church. These two families became the first Catholic faithful of Manikbond and laid the foundation for the future parish.

Establishment of the Parish

With the support of benefactors and well-wishers, a suitable piece of land was acquired in Manikbond in 1993. Fr Lancelot Monteiro later constructed a more permanent church building.

Through the tireless efforts of missionaries and the grace of the Holy Spirit, more people gradually embraced the Catholic faith. Finally, on December 14, 1995, the dream of the faithful of Manikbond, Pipla, Balia, Tangia, and Longkanpong became a reality when Manikbond was declared a full-fledged parish.

The parish territory extends from Lowairpoa along the Karimganj–Agartala road up to Medli, a border village between Assam and Mizoram.

Development of the Parish

After establishing the church, school, convent, and separate hostels for boys and girls, Fr Lancelot Monteiro left the diocese in 1997. Following him, several priests including Fr Pushparaj, Fr Joachim Walder, and Fr Rayer continued the mission and helped develop the parish further. During this time, Seva Kendra was also established to promote social development.

Entrustment to the MSFS Congregation

In 2008, due to a shortage of priests in the Diocese of Aizawl, the bishop requested the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS) to look after the parish temporarily.

On December 24, 2008, the parish was officially entrusted to the MSFS Congregation. Fr Stephen Marayikulam (Jr) was appointed as the first MSFS priest to serve the parish.

Parish Community

The parish community consists mainly of tribal Catholics and converts from Protestant denominations. Many parishioners are daily wage earners and belong to tribes such as Halam, Khasi (Pnars), and Chorei.

At present, the parish includes 257 Catholic families with a total Catholic population of about 2,235 faithful spread across 18 villages.

The Catholic villages include Pipla, Balia, Balia Tangia, Jayantinagar, Lankanpong, Kulicherra, Magura, Sobri, Choraibari, Basaitilla, Soidewa, Desdewa, Khasinathpur, Jugicherra, Torzacherra, Butucherra, Sagalma, and Manikbond.

Hostel Ministry

St Joseph’s Hostel at Manikbond was opened in 1997 and has the capacity to accommodate up to 150 students. The hostel provides educational opportunities and support to children from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Sisters of Charity of Saints Bartolomea Capitanio and Vincenza Gerosa (SCCG)

The Sisters of Charity joined the mission in 1994. They are actively involved in healing ministry, social work, parish services, and education. They also manage a hostel for girls.

International Missionary Association (IMA)

The sisters of the International Missionary Association (IMA) joined the mission in 2007. They assist the parish in various pastoral and missionary activities.