The diocese of Nongstoin lies in the impoverished north-east of India, in the state of Meghalaya, on the frontier with Bangladesh. It has 22 parishes, which include a total of 1076 villages. 850 of these villages have Catholics living in them. And most of these small villages are in remote rural areas.
The people live overwhelmingly from traditional agriculture. If the main breadwinner falls ill, even for a few days, the entire family goes hungry. The roads are poor to non-existent, and many of the villages can only be reached on foot. The Church ministers not only pastorally to the faithful but has to be „all things to all men“ and help the people in their everyday material needs as well. Education, healthcare, vocational training – all these things are provided by the Church.
The diocese itself is relatively young and is still becoming established. The Catholic faithful play an enthusiastic part in the life of the Church and eagerly desire to receive the Sacraments and deepen their faith. But given their poverty, they can only do little to support the Church materially. Hence the diocese barely has the resources to support its priests in their life and ministry. And it is particularly difficult, for example, if a priest needs medical care.
Thanks to our benefactors, we are able to provide regular support for the priests of the diocese through your Mass stipends – for which they are immensely grateful. For example, Father Johnny Nongkynrih, one of these priests, writes: „Your support is not merely financial in nature, but is like a beacon of hope which sustains my service in the diocese. Your generosity helps to ensure that I can continue to exercise my ministry with devotion and love. Please be assured of my prayers that God will bless you and your loved ones and all your noble work. I am profoundly grateful for your faithful support.“
We intend to continue supporting Father Johnny and his 33 brother priests in their priestly ministry by passing on to them the Mass stipends donated by our benefactors. Thank you in advance for all the Mass intentions you entrust to us for the priests in Nongstoin and in so many other parts of the world!