St. Francis de Sales Church – Hamren

Hamren is a small town in the West Karbi Anglong district of Assam, inhabited mainly by the Karbi tribe, who speak the Karbi dialect. The parish today serves a vibrant Catholic community spread across several villages in this mountainous region.

History

The roots of the Catholic faith in Hamren go back to December 22, 1969, when Kangbura (John) Ronghang and four other families received baptism from Fr. John Marie at Umdap village. From this small beginning, the number of believers gradually increased.

The mission was first started in 1976, revived in 1987, and firmly established with the arrival of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) in 1990. Before the arrival of the MSFS, Fr. S.K. Sebastian, SDB (1987–1989) served as the first priest in charge and initiated the development of the parish community and Don Bosco School. He was succeeded by Fr. Anthony Roy, SDB (1989–1990).

At the invitation of Most Rev. Mathai Kochuparambil, Bishop of Diphu, the MSFS missionaries took charge of the mission. On March 4, 1990, Don Bosco Parish, Hamren, was officially erected and Fr. Job Karikkampally, MSFS, became its first Parish Priest.

Pastoral Ministry

Most of the villages under Hamren are located in remote mountainous areas with limited road connectivity. The missionaries have tirelessly reached out to these communities through village visits, family apostolate, faith formation programmes, and catechetical instruction.

Today the parish serves not only the Karbi community but also Garos, Khasis, and Adivasis, fostering a vibrant and growing faith community.

Parish Community

At present, the parish has around 2,000 Catholics from 280 families spread across 15 villages, including Hamren Phuchimlangso, Langkarom, Langmekang, Longpai, Umdap, Langteng, Jaidipur, Rumphung, Umchera, and others.

In 2013, part of the parish was bifurcated to establish the Langhemphi Mission Centre, which now serves several neighbouring villages.

Institutions & Facilities

Over the years, the parish has developed several important facilities, including:

• Don Bosco School

• Boarding house for boys

• Church and presbytery

• Teachers’ quarters

Currently, two priests and four religious sisters serve the parish.

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Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC)

The Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) sisters joined the mission on July 28, 1990. The pioneer members were Sr. Eliza, Sr. Jancy Ramrath, and Sr. Daisy George.

The sisters actively assist the mission through:

• Teaching in the school

• Caring for the girls’ hostel

• Village pastoral visits

• Women’s empowerment and animation programmes

The convent and girls’ hostel were built and blessed on September 21, 1991.