Mary Mother of God Parish
Pariong, Eastern West Khasi Hills District
🤝 Religious Community
---Historical Background
Mary Mother of God Parish, Pariong was carved out of Nongkasen Parish on 9th March 2025. It consists of 11 villages spread over 10 to 15 kilo metres of radius each. These villages are further divided into two sub-districts for the smooth running of the Parish. The Parish was given to the care of Pilar Fathers by Most Rev. Wilbert Marwein, Bishop of Nongstoin Diocese. Fr. Alfred Almeida and Fr. Mahesh Mahala arrived here in Pariong on 15th January 2025. The Parish was inaugurated on 9th March 2025 and on the same day Rev. Fr. Alfred Almeida was installed as Parish Priest and Fr. Mahesh Mahala as the Assistant Parish Priest.
Rev. Fr. Alfred Almeida along Rev. Fr. Mahesh started various activities in the Parish. They concentrated on the welfare of the people specially assisting to their spiritual and pastoral needs. They began visiting people, understanding their problems and difficulties and guiding them in various ways possible and giving them suitable solutions to overcome them. They also started Altar servers associations for boys and girls in order to inculcate in them the love of God. They taught them and guided them in order to equip them with the abilities to serve at the Altar. They were called once a week and taught them how to participate in various liturgical activities and to be more active in the Church.
The Fathers further concentrated on organizing the men and women of the Parish. They created associations of men and women in the Parish. In order to enhance their catholic faith, the Fathers organized various seminars and retreats. The leadership trainings and faith formation seminars were also conducted in order to equip them with the ability to lead and guide others.
They created an association for the youth in order to lead and guide them in a proper direction. They were given various tasks so that develop a kind of closeness to the Church. They were helped through various meetings and guidance so that they become strong in their faith and more committed towards the Church. They were given opportunities to become active participants during the mass and other activities.
Over all the people of the place belong to Khasi Tribe and are hardworking farmers. The majority have embraced Christian faith belonging to Catholic and various other denominations. Very few are left with traditional worshippers. The people are simple and hardworking farmers. Though they are poor yet they have cultivated a strong faith a deep reverence for the priests.
0 Comments