Project of the Month - December 2023 - A chapel in remote Indian village

The Moharpara Parish of the Immaculate Conception, situated in northeast India near the Bangladesh border, encompasses 31 villages, catering to a population of approximately 5000 Catholics, predominantly composed of young individuals.

This parish covers an expansive area, with several villages being somewhat challenging to access. Priests often traverse up to 5 miles to reach these remote areas. One such village is Twicholong, where Catholics have resided since 1969. Initially, only a few families were present, but the community has grown to around 50 families and approximately 245 parishioners.

Twicholong possesses a modest chapel constructed by the residents using mud bricks and a tin roof. However, the chapel is currently in a dilapidated condition and insufficiently spacious. Despite its state, the faithful gather there daily for prayer due to the absence of an alternative. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to build a new chapel dedicated to the Divine Mercy. These endeavors are challenging as the indigenous tribal people, grappling with extreme poverty, derive their livelihood from the land or work as day laborers. While they contribute what little they can to the construction, their financial limitations hinder further progress.

Father Arbok Lyngdoh has reached out to seek assistance, emphasizing the parish's vitality, particularly the dedication of women and young people. He envisions that a larger chapel would enhance parish life by facilitating various pastoral programs. Father Lyngdoh expresses hope, stating, "The faithful are hoping that their dream of a bigger and better chapel can be fulfilled by next year."

In response to this appeal, we cannot afford to disappoint the Catholic faithful in Twicholong. With divine assistance and your support, we are extending a contribution of $20,000 to aid in the completion of their chapel.