ST. ARNOLD PARISH, GONDATWISA
Brief
History:
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In 1983, Mr. Khagendro Reang who
was baptized in Shillong brought the Catholic faith to the nearby villages of
Gandatwisa. Fr. Jose Sarpathil C.S.C. and Fathers used to visit the village
regularly between 1992 and 1997 and offer Mass, mostly in Mr. Khogendro Reang’s
house.
On 5th July 1997, Fr. Ivan, S.V.D. visited
Gondatwisa and the people requested him to come more often. He was inspired by
their faith. In August 1997, Fr. Ivan started staying in Gondatwisa. In March
1998, Fr. Maxim joined Fr. Ivan. Mr. Santharam Reang provided the new thatched
roof house for their stay. On 24 May 1998, the first 32 people of Gondatwisa
were baptized by Bishop Lumen Monteiro. In March 1999, the foundation for the
temporary presbytery and worship Centre was blessed by Bishop Lumen and
inaugurated on 8 September 1999. On the same day, St. Arnold Parish was
established withFr. Ivan D’Silva, S.V.D. as its first Parish Priest. The land was
allotted by the Government. In March 2000, a Hostel was opened with 5 students.
The School for the K.G. children was started on 1st April 2000.
After serving the Parish for 12 long years the S.V.D.
Fathers handed over the administration to the Diocese in 2011. At that time,
the Parish had a High School with around 700 students. At present, there are 14 substations in the
Parish and a High School. The tribes of the Parish are Reang, Uchoi, Chakma,
Molsom, Tripura and Debbarma.
Established: 1999 |
Institutions:
.JPG)
.JPG)
