Christmas Mass Cancelled After Fundamentalist Mob Vandalises St Mary’s School in Nalbari, Assam

Nalbari, Bongaigaon Diocese, Assam, December 24, 2025: A group of miscreants entered the premises of St Mary’s School, Panigaon, in Assam’s Nalbari district, at around 2:30 pm on December 24.

According to sources, the group sought to meet the school principal, Fr. Baiju Sebastian. In his absence, they encountered the Superior Sister and the Regent Brother present on the campus. At the time, the principal was attending an official meeting with the District Commissioner (DC), along with a sister, and was therefore unable to respond to phone calls.

Following this, the group allegedly became agitated and removed hoardings, pulled down LED bulbs, and shouted slogans within the school premises. Videos of the incident, reportedly featuring slogans associated with the Bajrang Dal, later appeared on social media.

Upon his return, the principal contacted the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), and the matter was subsequently brought to the attention of the Bishop of Bongaigaon Diocese. A written complaint is yet to be formally lodged with the authorities.

St. Mary’s School, which serves around 1,000 students, operates in an area where there is no local Catholic population, apart from a few teachers and religious sisters associated with the institution.

The incident comes at a significant time for the Bongaigaon Diocese, which is currently marking 25 years since its establishment, along with the silver jubilee of its Shepherd, Bishop Thomas Pulloppillil.

Church sources have called for calm and prayer, expressing hope that such incidents will not deter the Church’s long-standing service to society through education and social outreach.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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