Matters India Reporter
Lawngtlai, Mizoram, May 2, 2025: Bishop Stephen Rotluanga of Aizawl consecrated a newly built parish church in Lawngtlai, Mizoram, on May 1, 2025, a landmark event that coincided with the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Salesian parish, drawing together religious leaders and faithful from across the region and neighboring states.
Lawngtlai is located in the southwestern most part of Mizoram, bordering Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The consecration ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Salesian Provincial of Shillong Fr. John Zosiama and Vicar General of the Diocese of Aizawl Fr. Joseph Lalbiakthanga, MSMHC Shillong Provincial Sr. Maria Goretti Sangma, and numerous priests and religious from the Dioceses of Aizawl, Shillong, Silchar, and Tripura.
The Don Bosco School brass band led the jubilee procession. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere two memorial stones were unveiled. Bishop Rotluanga dedicated one stone to the new House of God, while Fr. Zosiama unveiled the other, commemorating the Silver Jubilee of the parish. Twenty-five dedicated individuals, including Bishop Rotluanga, priests, religious, and lay leaders, beat the traditional ‘darkhuang’ drum, symbolizing the triumphant message of Jesus Christ.
During the Holy Mass, Bishop Rotluanga lauded the dedicated apostolic work of the Salesian missionaries in Lawngtlai and southern Mizoram. He urged the congregation to offer continuous thanks for the gift of the new church and to continue their collective efforts for the greater glory of God.
The liturgical celebration featured the Aizawl Diocese Choir and a choir from the Baptist Church of Mizoram, demonstrating Christian unity. Leaders from various Christian denominations joined in a spirit of ecumenical fellowship.
The consecration ceremony concluded with a felicitation program and a shared agape meal, fostering unity among attendees.
Salesian missions which started in Mizoram in 1991 today has four centres in Siaha, Thenzawl, Seling and Lawngtlai.