The Diocese of Nongstoin is situated in the state of Meghalaya, Northeast India. The Diocese was bifurcated from the Archdiocese of Shillong on January 28, 2006, when Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh was appointed as its first Bishop. The episcopal ordination took place on April 2, 2006, while the installation was held on April 4, 2006.
After serving the Diocese for about ten years, Bishop Victor was transferred to Jowai on October 15, 2016. Since then, the Diocese remained without a Bishop for some years. Late Most Rev. Dominic Jala, the then Archbishop of Shillong, was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Nongstoin until his demise on October 10, 2019.
On October 25, 2019, Rev. Fr. Anselm Nonglang was elected Diocesan Administrator of Nongstoin. Later, on February 4, 2023, the faithful of the Diocese rejoiced when the Holy Father appointed Rev. Fr. Wilbert Marwein as the Bishop of Nongstoin. His Episcopal Ordination and Installation took place on April 16, 2023.
At present, the Diocese has approximately 1,70,000 Catholics, 22 parishes, 23 diocesan priests, and 102 religious.
At the beginning of the Diocese, there was only one political district, namely West Khasi Hills District. Today, the Diocese covers three districts: West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, and Eastern West Khasi Hills.
The Diocese of Nongstoin covers an approximate area of 5,247 sq. kms, with the total population estimated to have crossed six lakhs.
There are around 1106 villages within the Diocese, and the literacy rate stands at approximately 50.52%. Nongstoin, the civil headquarters of West Khasi Hills District, serves as the centre for the Church’s administration.
The faithful of the Diocese belong mainly to the Khasi and Garo communities. The Khasi community includes the sub-tribes Lyngngam and Maram, while the Garo community includes the Atong sub-tribe.
These tribes traditionally follow the matrilineal system. Most of the people are engaged in farming and labour work, while others serve in government jobs, teaching, and other salaried employments.
The Catholic Church plays a vital role in the holistic development of the people through its parishes, especially in the areas of education, health care, and pastoral ministry, which remains its central mission.
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