St. Stephen Catholic Church in Tangla, a town in Assam’s Udalguri district in northeastern India, celebrated its platinum jubilee on October 20, marking 75 years of Catholic missionary presence, education, and community service in the region.
Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati presided over the thanksgiving Mass, concelebrated by Bishop Michael Akasius Toppo of Tezpur. Salesian leaders, priests, religious sisters, civil representatives, and parishioners joined the celebration.
The jubilee honored generations of Salesian missionaries, catechists, religious, and laypeople who helped establish and sustain the Catholic community in Tangla and surrounding areas.
The mission was established in 1951 by Salesian missionaries Fr. Guido Colussi, SDB, and Fr. Marino Peditto, SDB. Over the decades, it developed as a center of evangelization, education, and social service for communities in northeastern India.
The mission’s contribution to education and community development was highlighted during the celebration. Rihon Daimari, deputy chief of the Bodoland Territorial Council, attended the event and acknowledged the mission’s role in serving the region.
The legacy of early missionaries, including Fr. Colussi, was recalled alongside the continuing work of the current parish priest, Fr. Bhaskar Chinthamalla, SDB, and other Salesian priests.
The main celebration followed three days of programs for different sections of the parish community. The Youth Jubilee took place on October 17, followed by the Women’s Jubilee on October 18 and the Men’s Jubilee on October 19. The gatherings provided opportunities for prayer, fellowship, and renewed commitment to the Church’s mission.
Reflecting on the milestone, Fr. Sangram Senapati, CM, parish priest and principal of St. Vincent’s Catholic Church in Pailapool, Silchar, Assam, said the jubilee was an opportunity to recognize the contribution of generations who had served both the Church and society.
“For seventy-five years, this journey has been a testament to God’s abundant grace and the dedication of generations who have served the Church and society,” Fr. Senapati said.
He added that the anniversary should lead to renewed efforts to strengthen faith, promote unity, serve the poor, educate young people, and express Christian commitment through action.
The jubilee also recalled the example of St. Stephen, the Church’s first Christian martyr, whose witness inspired the parish’s celebration of courage, sacrifice, and service.
As the Tangla Catholic community marked 75 years, the celebration looked beyond its history to the mission’s continuing role in education, solidarity, and service to people across Assam and the wider northeastern region
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