St. Francis de Sales Parish – Nongalbibra

St. Francis de Sales Parish, Nongalbibra, was officially opened on January 29, 1979. The decision to begin an MSFS mission in the Garo Hills was taken during the visit of the Superior General, Fr. Emile Mayoraz, along with the Provincial, Fr. Thomas Anikala. Nongalbibra was selected due to its good road connectivity, growing township, and potential for expansion and industrial development.

Pioneer Missionaries

The mission was pioneered by Fr George Parampukattil, who had been working in Rongjeng since 1975, and Fr Paredom, who had served in Dalu from 1976. Having already learned the Garo language and culture, they easily connected with the local people and became part of the community through their simple and dedicated way of life.

Humble Beginnings

The mission began in very simple conditions. The priests lived in a small hut, and the first church, school, residence, kitchen, and hostel were built using bamboo and thatch. In May 1980, a powerful storm destroyed these temporary structures. With the help and cooperation of the local people, everything was rebuilt again.

The school began with 55 students and three teachers, who were paid very modest salaries. No school fees were charged, and the hostel started with only four children. The early years of the mission were marked by many hardships and sacrifices.

Growth of the Parish

At the time of its establishment, the parish had around 1,500 Catholics. Over the years it has grown significantly. By 2016, the parish had more than 7,000 Catholics from about 820 families spread across 34 villages. The parish community is known in the diocese for its strong faith, generosity, and active participation in parish life.

Various parish organizations such as the Marian Sodality, St Joseph Sodality, Catholic Youth Movement (CYM), and the Laity Association play an important role in strengthening the spiritual life of the community.

Education and Hostel Ministry

The hostel ministry that began with just four children has now grown into the SFS Boys’ Hostel and Holy Cross Girls’ Hostel, benefiting more than 100 students each year. A new two-storey hostel building with improved facilities was completed in 2017.

Religious Congregations

Since 1985, the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod (Holy Cross Sisters) have been associated with the mission. They contribute significantly to education and pastoral ministry. With partial support from Dr. Mukul Sangma, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, a two-storey girls’ hostel was completed in 2016.

Vocations from the Parish

The parish has been blessed with several priestly and religious vocations. Among them is Most Rev. Andrew R. Marak, the first Garo Bishop of the Diocese, who hails from Nongalbibra. Fr. Bernard Sangma, one of the early teachers of the school, was ordained an MSFS priest in 1995.