The Diocese of Tura in the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya marked the second death anniversary of Bishop George Mamalassery with a thanksgiving Mass and memorial program at St. Luke Church in Walbakgre on July 4.
Bishop Andrew R. Marak of Tura presided over the concelebrated Eucharist, joined by Auxiliary Bishop Jose Chirackal and priests of the diocese. Religious and lay faithful from across the diocese also attended.
In his homily, Bishop Marak recalled Bishop Mamalassery's leadership in building the Diocese of Tura and his commitment to pastoral ministry, education, and social services in the Garo Hills region.
Following the Mass, Marcuise N. Marak, a cabinet minister in the Meghalaya state government, unveiled a bust of the late bishop. He also inaugurated Bishop George Mamalassery Road, the stretch linking Walbakgre Junction with St. Luke Church and Holy Cross Road, in recognition of the bishop's contributions to the Church and the people of Garo Hills.
A commemorative program followed the unveiling ceremony, with speakers recalling Bishop George Mamalassery's contributions to the Church and the people of Garo Hills. The Diocese presented the Bishop George Mamalassery Scholarship to a nursing student, continuing the late bishop's support for education and healthcare.
Widnald D. Marak, a former member of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, said naming the road after Bishop Mamalassery would preserve the memory of his service to the region.
Kajoli A. Marak, who worked for many years at the Bishop's House as a house keeper, remembered Bishop George as a fatherly figure whose generosity and concern extended to her family. She also recalled his disciplined lifestyle, concern for others, and commitment to his pastoral responsibilities.
Bishop George Mamalassery led the Diocese of Tura for 28 years. During his episcopate, the diocese established 23 new parishes along with churches, presbyteries, convents, schools, hostels, and dispensaries.
He also founded the 150-bed Holy Cross Hospital in Tura, more than 20 rural dispensaries, a nursing school, two homes for the elderly, and a center for persons with disabilities. Through the diocesan social service center, Bakdil, he promoted rural development and community welfare across the region.
In recognition of his contributions to education, healthcare, and the development of Meghalaya, Bishop Mamalassery received several honors, including the Pa Togan Nengminza Sangma Award and an honorary doctorate from the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya.
Bishop George Mamalassery died on July 5, 2024.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
