St. Francis de Sales Parish, Somonpara

Somonpara is located in West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, about 35 km from Tura, the district headquarters. The district covers an area of approximately 3,714 km² and has a population of over five lakh people.

Beginning of the Mission

In 2013, Most Rev. Andrew R. Marak, Bishop of Tura, invited the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS) to explore the possibility of opening a retreat centre in the diocese. During discussions between the diocesan authorities and the MSFS Provincial Administration, it was proposed that the centre could also serve as a parish. The Diocese of Tura eventually entrusted the Somonpara parish to the MSFS congregation.

Establishment of the Parish

Fr Saji Kaippallil MSFS was appointed to begin the mission and arrived at the present site on December 4, 2013. The parish of Mary Mother of Compassion was canonically erected on March 2, 2015. On the same day, Fr Saji Kaippallil was officially installed as the first Parish Priest by Most Rev. Andrew R. Marak, Bishop of Tura, in the presence of Rev. Fr George Panthanmackel MSFS, the then Provincial of the MSFS Northeast India Province.

The new parish was formed by bringing together villages from four neighboring parishes: St Mathew’s Church, Rimrangpara; St Dominic Savio’s Church, Garobadha; St Peter’s Church, Purakasia; and Sacred Heart Church, Tura.

Parish Community and Pastoral Life

At the time of its establishment, the parish consisted of around 320 Catholic families spread across 40 villages. To strengthen the spiritual life of the faithful, several parish associations were formed, including Marian Sodality, St Joseph’s Sodality, ICYM, Laity Association, Sunday School, and the Parish Retreat Team.

These groups actively contribute to pastoral care and help build a vibrant parish community. The parish also has a dynamic Parish Pastoral Council officially approved by the Bishop.

Development of the Mission

As part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Catholic faith in Dabelagre, a new village chapel was blessed by Bishop Andrew R. Marak on April 27, 2015.

In August 2015, Fr Saji Kaippallil was transferred, and Fr John Kelamkuzhackal MSFS was appointed as the Parish Priest and Headmaster.

Social and Developmental Initiatives

Seeing the poor economic condition of many families, several developmental initiatives were introduced through FAsCE India. An ambulance service was launched in 2014 to assist the local population. Additional development activities were implemented during 2015–2016, including the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in 2016 to promote economic empowerment among the people.

Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI)

The Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI), popularly known as the “Green Garden Sisters,” assist the parish in its ministries. They began collaborating with the MSFS missionaries on July 5, 2016, and continue to support the parish in pastoral and social activities.