Bebejia, Assam

Date of beginning the Mission: 20th February 2011

Bebejia belongs to the district of NAGAON, Assam. It is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. As of 2011 it is the most populous district of Assam (out of 27) and old district, which dates back to 1833. Located in the very heartland of Assam, it falls directly at the center of the entire northeast of India. It is known as the RICE BOWL of Assam. Besides agriculture, economy of Nagaon District also includes another major sector that is fisheries.

People to whom we are sent – 
We serve the Lord among the Tiwa community. Tiwa is a tribal group inhabiting the States of Assam and Meghalaya in Northeast India. They are recognized as a Scheduled tribe within the State of Assam. They were known as Lalungs in the Assamese and Colonial literature and as a Scheduled tribe they are still referred so. A striking peculiarity of the Tiwa is their division into two sub-groups, Hill Tiwas and Plains Tiwas, displaying very contrasted cultural features.

Beginning of the Mission – 

It was a mission attended and taken care by Salvatorian priests from Nagaon from 1969. It was on 12th November 2009 the Archdiocese of Guwahati purchased a piece of land at Bangthaigaon, Bebejia for education and healing ministry. Rev. Fr. Albert Peter, O.C.D. the then residing priest- in- charge began a school there in a rented house in 2010 naming it after St. Justin.

SMI Presence –

There were frequent requests from Mot Rev. Thomas Menamparampil, the Archbishop of Guwahati to open more SMI presence in the Archdiocese. Sr. Sharlene Pulickal, Provincial Superior of Guwahati received a formal written invitation from the Archbishop dated 10th December 2010 to begin our presence at Bebejia, a new mission which the diocese had just begun among the Tiwa community in Assam. We began our presence in Bebejia on 20th February 2011. The rented house was officially blessed by Rev. Fr. Varghese Kizhakevaeli, the Vicar General of Archdiocese of Guwahati.
First House New House blessing Present house

The two pioneers were Sr. Mary Nirmala and Sr. Sarojini Topno. After six months Sr. Jessy Antony replaced Sr. Mary Nirmala. On 15th February 2012 the new school building was blessed and sisters moved to the same building to stay. Now sisters have their own residence, a hostel to accommodate students. This house also serves as a study house for our sister students who attend to the Philosophical studies at St Jerome Institute, Nagaon.

Debdaru Path, Assam – 
The long-awaited dream of having a foundation of our house at Guwahati was realized on Tuesday, the 19 of September 1995. Inauguration and Blessing of our house took place on 30th October by His grace, Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil at 11 a.m. Sr. Gemma, our Provincial said a few words of welcoming and thanking everyone. Mention was made of Sisters at Hatigaon and sisters at St. Mary’s who have helped our sisters especially sheltering and caring for them in their journey up and down from Guwahati. She also thanked the Fathers at Bishop’s House, Salesian fathers at Guwahati and MSFS fathers at Guwahati. There were 20 SMI sisters, 4 Novices and priests, brothers and sisters from nearby parishes and institutions.

Archbishop solemnized the occasion by cutting the ribbon and lighting the lamp. Sr Mercy, Sr. Gemma, Fr. Kottaram, vicar general, Sr Florette and Sr Loreta also lit the lamp. After this the Archbishop proceeded to bless the house while the congregation kept singing. The blessing was followed by concelebrated Mass with Archbishop as the main celebrant and 8 priests. After the Mass lunch was served to all. The entire programme ended by 1.30 p.m.
In the year 2010 God blessed us with a new building as the old house was dilapidated. The 2nd floor of this house is used as a hostel for students and working girls. This community render their service to the prison ministry, coordinating the women of the Archdiocese of Guwahati, teach spoken English to the students who come, teach catechism in the Sunday school students in the parish and provide hostel facility for students or working women.

Philobari, Assam:
Philobari Parish was newly erected on 3 July 1982 under Dibrugarh Diocese. Rev. Fr Joseph Muloparambil was the Parish priest and Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Poovathumkuzhy was his assistant. Total Catholic population numbered 6000 having 24 substations consisting of 4 tea gardens and 20 villages within the distance of 30 to 35 k.m. from Philobari. Most of the Catholics are tea garden laborers, who are Adivasis, migrated from Bihar, M.P. and Orissa.
In 1982 January Most Rev. Thomas Menamparambil SDB, then Bishop of Dibrugarh requested Sr Mary Chalissery our Superior General to open a house in his diocese. Finally the long awaited invitation of Bishop Thomas Menamparabil to Philobari Parish was realized on 11 Feb. 1984 on the feast of our Lady of Lourdes, when the pioneers of this house Sr. Marycicily Angilikuzhy, the local Superior and Srs. Mary Regina Purathur, Capila Lakra, and Jovita Malaikudil arrived here.
Blessing of the new house: On 17 March 1986, Bishop Thomas laid the foundation stone for our new house. Next year on 15 March 1987 during the Eucharistic procession he blessed our newly built house. On 29 March, ours sisters moved to this new house and on1 April sisters had the Holy Mass offered for the first time in our chapel of the new house by the Parish priest and his assistant.

House Free Tuition Class –
Social awareness programme Teaching ministry Health awareness programme

Main Purpose: Sisters would help in the pastoral work by visiting homes and villages evangelizing and catechizing, help in the educational endeavour of the parish by teaching in the parish school, and give health care through dispensary for the benefit of the people, run a boarding for the girl children from far plunged villages of Philobari. We were also given permission to undertake other activities proper to our congregational charism.

Kumarikatta, Assam – 
Geographical features: Kumarikatta is 90 km. away from Guwahati diocesan centre. The nearest railway station is Rangia, 35 about k.m from Kumarikatta; it takes three hours by road from Guwahati to Kumarikatta. The people are mainly tribals, belonging to the different groups of the Bodos, santhals, Adivasis, Rabbas and Hajongs and others being Nepalese, Bhutanes, Bengalis and Assamese.

SMI Foundation – 
It was at the request of Rt. Rev. Robert Kerketta SDB, D.D., then Bishop of Tezpur, Assam to Sr Mary Challiserry, our then superior general to open a house in his diocese for the pastoral work and after much thought and consideration that we began our SMI foundation at Kumarikatta on 26th June 1984. Srs. Ruby Konoor, Stephanie Chazoor, Maggie Neyyan and Doreen Coviel were the pioneers who arrived here on this day along with Sr. Clementine and Madeline Miranda, general councilors from Krishnagar and Srs. Bridget Kalathinkal and Shirley Narikulam from Dadenggre. 29th 1984 was a red-letter day for the parish of Kumarikatta, for it was on this day that we officially started our house here. After concelebrating the Holy Mass at 4.p.m. Bishop Robert Kerketta and his flock came to our house- Shanti Nivas in procession along with Sri. B.B. Chavan, the then Transport Minister of Assam, who inaugurated the house by cutting the ribbon. His grace Rt. Rev. Robert Kerketta thereon blessed the house and the dispensary.

Our Main Work
The principal work for which we were invited was to help in the pastoral ministry by evangelization of women, girls and children, to prepare the baptized for the reception of the sacraments and to give health care to the people etc. Sisters run a health care centre for the poor people of the Locality, boarding for the girl children freom the remote villages, and two sisters teach in the DonBosco school run by the Saleasian Fathers. Sisters are also engaged in empowering the women folk through health awareness programme, self-help groups, Sewing classes and other outreach protgammes.

Health Education camps in the villages

Teaching ministry In the health centre

 

TINSUKIA, Assam

Date of foundation: July 12, 2006
Canonical erection: January 21, 2008

Blessings of the House and the land took place on 13th July 2006. Rt. Rev. Bishop Joseph Aind blessed the house in a simple ceremony, in the presence of our sisters from Philobari and Rajanagar, SDB Fathers from Tinsukia and Hijjuguri, and other sisters, FMA, MSMHC, SCCG, MSS and Pious Disciples of Don Bosco.

Apostolic Activities:
Pastoral ministry, home visitation and touring, teaching in the parish school, boarding, study of candidates and transit house.

Uriamghat, Assam

Foundation: 10th April, 2010
Location: Uriamghat is located in Northeast of Assam. It is 262 kms. South west of Dibrugarh in the civil district of Golaghat, Assam. The closest town and railway station (Sarupathar) is 12 kms away from Uriamghat.

History of the Parish:
In 1973 when Sarupathar parish was started, it was looking after the entire area beyond the Garampani forest up to Dimapur. It included the present day parishes of Sarupathar, Uriamghat and Naojan.

Beginning of the Mission
The SMI entered Uriamghat scenario on 10th April, 2010. The pioneers were Srs. Marceline Nedumpara (sister-in-charge), Chandrika Kujur and Arul Mary Louis. The fourth member Sr. Jayarani Arulandndu, who completed her superiorship in Dadenggre reached Uriamghat at the beginning of June.

Activities:
Pastoral ministry, village tour, home visitation, preparation for daily liturgy, preparing people and children for the reception of Sacraments, teaching in the parish school, boarding and health care through dispensary. This house also serves as a formation house for the beginners.

Teaching Ministry:

International Mothers’ Day

Tongna, Assam
Date of foundation: August 12, 1987
It was at the suggestion and request of Rt. Rev. Bishop Thomas Menamparampil to Sr. Mary Chalissery, our Superior General that our house at Tongna, under Dibrugarh diocese, was started after a few visits by our Srs. Madeline Miranda, Clementine Pinheiro, Lilian and Rosita the Gen Council members. Bishop himself had a keen interest that we start a convent at Tongna, as he had already seen and had much appreciation for the apostolic work of our sisters at Pilobari that he himself took our sisters to Tongna and expressed his wish and possibility of our SMI foundation here. According to the agreement with Bishop Thomas our sisters were assigned to help in the pastoral work of Tongna parish by visiting villages, evangelizing and catechizing and also by teaching in the parish school. They were also to open a dispensary for the benefit of the people. Boarding is the new apostolate began on 19 June, 1994 with the permission of Rev. Fr. Sebastian Karotemprel the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Dibrugarh.

Sr Mary Thomas and Sr. Leela were the pioneers of our house at Tongna who reached Tongna on 12 August,1987 after two weeks of stay in Philobari house for the early preparations. His Lordship Thomas blessed our temporary house on 15 August 1987. Until 1988 March it was a branch house of Philobari. In March 88, Sr Mary Thomas was installed as the first local superior of the house.

House at Tongna At a health camp Teaching ministry

Dadenggre, Meghalaya
Our community at Dadenggre was opened on 21st February, 1980 at the invitation of Rt. Rev. George Mamalassery the Bishop of Tura. The purpose of our foundation here is to assist in the work of evangelization through our primary apostolate of home visitation and village apostolate, healing ministry and teaching in the parish school. We have boarding for girls.

Formerly, the Medical Mission sisters served this parish until our arrival. So the house, boarding and dispensary were already existing and our sisters started their various activities in the villages, dispensary, boarding and school. Gradually our work began to grow and increase. At present we have a vibrant Christian community in this parish. Our sisters have been very much a part of this community. Our Activities:
Parish Ministry: Catechetical instruction, preparation for Liturgy, Home visitation and village apostolate, Healing ministry, Teaching in the parish school and Boarding for girls.
New House cum Boarding Teaching ministry at Health center

Dumnikura, Meghalaya

Dumnikura is situated in South Garo Hills of Tura diocese, Meghalaya. It is situated at the border area of Bangladesh. The people of this area is mostly refugee Garos, who were formerly belonging to Mymansing diocese of Bangladesh. Lately when Tura diocese was established the place became part of Tura diocese. Earlier the present Dumnikura mission was looked after by Dalu parish.

Blessing of the House
Blessing and inauguration of the convent was done on February 6th 2003 by his grace Rt Rev. George Mamalassery. The presence of Rt Rev. Francis Gomes, Bishop of Mymansing, Bangladesh and Sri Lotsingme, the honourable Home Minister of Meghalaya made this day a red letter one. Srs Madeline Miranda, the general councilor from Motherhouse, our sisters from nearby communities of Selsella and Dadenggre were also present for the blessing. The parish house also was blessed and the parish erected on the same day with Fr Jose Edavakandam of Tura diocese as its first parish priest.

First Superior and Canonical Erection

Coaching class for poor children At Health center Our house

Sr Paulina Basumatarywas officially installed on 24th May 2003 as the superior of the newly formed community by Sr Nisha Patamkulathu, the superior of Selsella delegated by Sr Melanie Vadakkemury, the new Provincial superior of Kolkatta. The canonical erection of this community took place on 11th March 2004 during the visitation of Sr Lisette Thuruthimattam, general councilor and delegate of Sr Marie Pothnamala.
The sisters are engaged in education ministry, pastoral ministry in the villages, boarding for girl children and a health center.

Rajabala, Meghalaya
Our House cum Boarding At School
Our house at Rajabala is situated in the east of West Garo Hills, Dt., Meghalaya, close to Jinjiram river of Assam boarder. It comes under Rajabala parish in Tura diocese. People of this locality belongs to different tribes, like Hajong, Koch and different religious groups- Bengalis, Assamese and Muslims, who had been settlers here from Bangladesh from 1965 onwards. Formerly priests from Tura and Selsella parishes were catering to the spiritual needs of the people. It was in 1994 that the foundation was laid for the Catholic church of Rajabala at Chokchokia under the leadership of Rev. Fr. George Kallungal, the then Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Church, Selsella. In 1996, Rt. Rev. George Mamalassery, Bishop of Tura and late Bishop Marengo of Tura blessed this church as the parish church of Rajabala, naming it after St. John Mary Vianney. It is to be noted that our sisters from Dadenggre and Selsella were touring this village formerly.

Blessing of our SMI house and boarding took place on January 10th 2006. Rt. Rev. George Mamalassery conducted the blessing ceremony in the presence of Sr. Melanie Vadakemury, the Provincial Superior, Srs. Molly Eanthumplackal, the Economer General and Sr. Salomy Vettickal, the Provincial Economer of Kolkata. Blessing ceremony of the new Boarding house for the girls was held on 18th March 2006 on the visit of Msgr. Bruno Kersing, the German benefactor, who helped for the construction of the boarding. He along with Bishop Andrew Marak of Tura diocese blessed the boarding, followed by a short cultural programme. We had 57 boarders in the first batch.

Our Apostolic Activities:
Pastoral ministry, which includes touring of villages, home visitation, preparation for the reception of the Sacraments, daily preparation for liturgy, etc.
Teaching ministry in the parish High school, Boarding.

Selsella, Meghalaya

His grace George Mamalssery, the Bishop of Tura invited us to begin our presence at Selsella.Responding to the invitationto spreadour charism of evangelization and catechesis we SMI agreed to collaborate with the diocese.

Blessing of the House
Our house at Selsella was blessed on 8th December 1982 after a solemn holy Mass of the Immaculate Conception offered by Rt. Rev. Bishop George Malamalssery concelebrated by Frs. Cryspinus, parish priest and Joseph Puthiedam. Many other priests, sisters and people were present on this inaugural day. After the Mass Bishop inaugurated the opening by cutting the ribbon, and blessed the house.

Our Apostolic Activities
Pastoral ministry, which includes touring of villages, home visitation, preparation for the reception of the Sacraments, daily preparation for liturgy, etc.
Teaching ministry in the parish High school, Boarding and a health centre.

Rajanagar, Arunachal Pradesh:
Date of Foundation: October 17, 2004
Canonical Erection: September 28, 2006

The Catholic Mission Centre at Rajanagar is under the care of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Dimpur Province. Rajanagar is situated on the Eastern part of Arunahal, under the subdivision of Miao. Bordumsa is the gateway to Rajanagar from Assam, which is 9 k.m. inside the state. It is on the boundaries of Changlang and Lohit Districts of Arunachal. It is about 125 k.m. away from Dibrugarh and about 75 k. m. from Tinsukia through Digboy. Since 1994, Rt. Rev. Joseph Aind, Bishop of Dibrugarh had been inviting us to Rajanagar. Our sisters at Philobari and Tongna had been visiting Rajanagar and the nearby villages from 1993 as teachers visiting the families of their students and boarders and used to stay there and instruct the people. Youth who were trained in Tinsukia Bible School paved the way for Fathers and Sisters to have frequent contact with the people here. In the recent years, our sisters from Philobari had been doing Moffusil work and giving assistance during important celebrations in Rajanagar Parish.

On 16 Oct. 2004, the pioneering members Srs. Maryjo Vayalil and Shiby Panthalanickal arrived in Rajanagar, accompanied by Sr. Melanie Vadakemury, the Provincial Superior and Sr Clara Michael.

Foundation stone for our new house at Rajanagar III was laid on 10 March, 2005 by Rev. Fr. Theophilus Ganlari SDB in the presence of Rev. Fr. Paulinus Chempalayil SDB and our sisters and a few people. On 20 Feb. 2006, Bishop Joseph Aind blessed the ground floor of our house as its construction was completed. Sr Melanie provincial superior, Srs. Regis Savarimuthu and Daisy Andrade, general councillors, our sisters from Philobari and Tongna were present along with many priests, religious, catechists and the people of Rajanagar. Next day, the Holy Mass was offered in our new chapel and the Blessed Sacrament was installed in the tabernacle.

Sr Maryjo was installed as the first local superior on 24 May, 2006 by Sr Annie Thomas the superior of Philobar community. Other members of this community were Srs. Shiby, Mary Nirmala and Suniann. Sr Gemma Marutholil joined the community on Nov. 24.

Main Activities: Bishop Joseph Aind had invited us, sisters to collaborate with the parish in the pastoral, educational and health care of the people and was free to take up other activities according to our charism.

Health Centre:
Free Tuition to the poor children

Aghunato, Nagaland

Our community at Aghunato is situated about five hours travel by road from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. We began our mission here on 2nd February 2009, among the Semas, one of the fourteen tribes of Nagaland. It was on 5th Sept. 2008 that Rt. Rev. Jose Mukala, Bishop of Kohima, Nagaland invited us through a letter sent to our dear Sr. Sharlene Pulickal, the first Provincial Superior of Guwahati requesting us to open a convent to collaborate in the pastoral and educational apostolate in St. Joseph parish, Aghunato in Kohima diocese. In order to carry out the above mentioned apostolate the Bishop offered a place in Aghunato parish (Centre) in Zunheboto district, where people of Sema tribe are spread out.

On 2nd February, 2009 Sr Sharlene our provincial superior, Linette, Madeline, Arulmary Louis along with Srs. Della Thundathil, Mary Chrisostom and KalpanaToppo, the pioneers arrived for the blessing of the house.
The first members stayed in the parish presbytery till a wooden house was purchased for them and renovated for their stay. This wooden house is on the top of a hillock, from where the view of Aghunato is very beautiful. Three sisters are engaged in education ministry at present. One room of the wooden house is converted into a small dispensary, from where the sister nurse attends the patients. Our mission continues with the arrival of new members…

Chessore, Nagaland:

The Yimkhiungru tribe inhabits the Eastern part of Nagaland and is one of the major recognized tribes of Nagaland. Yimkhiungru tribe is endowed with the rich history, culture, customs, traditions and practices.
This tribe was the first ever community to commence war upon the Indian soldiers in 1955 at Huker village.
The tribe possesses a rich history of freedom fight for Naga Independence and immense contribution towards building of new Nagaland.

In the year 2023 on February 11th Srs. Archna Kujur and Roysam Sumta began their ministry at Chessore as pioneers. They were involved in the activities such as;
– Teaching in the school
– Home visitation
– Sunday Catechism
– Preparation of the Liturgy
– Animating the mothers
– Taking care of the sick in the dispensary
– Staying in the villages for the preparation of Christmas, New Year and Easter
– Animating the children during the Bible camp
– Preparing the faithful to receive the Sacraments
– Praying the Holy Rosary in the families in the month of October

The sisters keep changing as the need arises, but the apostolates are carried out by the sisters who are serving at Chessore. From 2023 onwards the two sisters are staying in the old school building which has thatched roof.
The construction work is going on for a residence for the sisters. On 5th April, 2025 the foundation stone was laid for the new construction. Inspite of the many inconveniences the sisters try their best to carry out their responsibilities diligently.

Teaching Ministry:

Attending to patients Visiting the villages

Dimapur, Nagaland
Abba Father in his bountiful love has gifted us with a third presence – Ikishe Model Village, Dimapur in the diocese of Kohima, which was inaugurated and blessed on 23rd June 2019, by Most Rev. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima. Rev. Fr Carlus, the VG and 25 other priests, our dear Sr. Jane Nadackal, first general councilor and delegate of Sr Dina Vellamaruthunkal, superior general and many of our sisters were present for this solemn occasion. This Village belongs to the Mount Carmel parish in 4th Mile and is situated near St. Joseph’s University run by the DMI Sisters and MMI Fathers in 5th Mile, Dimapur. We are fortunate to be once again among the Semas, one of the fourteen major tribes of Nagaland.
Having easy access to the university we are able to facilitate the education of our sisters and also girl students who come from faraway places can be helped by providing them hostel facility. It will also serve as a transit house for our sisters working in Aghunato and Zunheboto and will be of great help for us to cross over to other Northeast States of Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, etc.

On 14th October 2019 the community was erected and Sr Della Thundathil was installed as the first local superior of the community by Sr Dina Vellamaruthunkal, superior general during a thanksgiving Eucharistic adoration. May Abba Father bless our dear Sr Della Thundathil and her community to function as a witnessing community in this new place with new people and new surroundings.

Zunheboto, Nagaland:

Beginning of the presence:
Date:14th December, 2013
Official Blessing: by Rt. Rev. James Thoppil
Date: 28th December 2013

Our People: The Sumi or Sema Naga is one of the major Naga tribes in Nagaland. The Sumis mainly inhabit the Zunheboto district, although many have migrated to the outskirts of Zunheboto or outside Nagaland for work and education.

They are also the most united and forceful tribe. Since times immemorial, the other tribes have feared the Sumi Tribe. Despite their ferocity and aggressive nature in warfare, the Sumi Tribe is also known for their simplicity, friendship and honesty. Their loyalty towards their tribesmen and friends is unparalleled.

The Sumis practiced headhunting like other Naga tribes before the arrival of the Christian missionaries and their subsequent conversion to Christianity. The Sumi is one of the recognized scheduled tribes of India.

Beginning of the Parish:
Zunheboto is one of the district headquarters of Nagaland. It is about 30 kilometers from Aghunato where we have a community, which also comes under the same district. It is a small Catholic community consisting of 30 families. It was established by Rev. Fr Manohar, OFM.

Our Presence:
Our community began its presence on 14th December, 2013 at Zunheboto. It was proposed to Rt Rev. Jose Mukkala the Bishop of Kohima at the time of the opening of Aghunato that Zunheboto would be a sister community for SMI, Aghunato in future. Later on when Rt Rev. James Thoppil the new Bishop took up the diocese Sr. Sharlene Pulickal, our provincial superior with the consent of Sr Lisette Thuruthimattam, our superior general requested the new Bishop to have collaboration with Zunheboto parish. And the Bishop replied positively requesting us to help the parish with pastoral and educational and other parish activities. Thereafter the preparation to begin our presence in Zunheboto began.

Official Blessing of the House:
On 23rd December Most Rev. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima concelebrated the holy Eucharist along with Fr George Parackal in our parish church where many parishioners were present. After the Mass Sr Maryjo briefed to the parish community gathered in the church about our congregation and our mission. Thereafter the sisters, Bishop, parish priest and the parishioners gathered in our house and Bishop blessed it officially.

Our Pioneers:
Sr Bency Panickassery – Sister-in-charge, Sr Della Thundathil and Sr Vivette Kavikallarackal (members)

Our Activities:
• Three sisters are assigned to teach in the parish school
• Pastoral ministry by the same sisters through home visitation and catechism teaching.

We thank Abba Father for one more tabernacle in this new place and our mission that we are able to carry out in this faraway place, where people are eager to be evangelized and catechized.