Northeast Church Bids Farewell to Renowned Missionary Bishop Mamalassery

Tura, Meghalaya, July 8, 2024: Northeast Church in India bid a heartfelt farewell to their beloved missionary bishop, George Mamalassery on Monday, July 8, 2024. Thousands gathered to honour and remember him, including people from all walks of life, united in grief and gratitude. The funeral ceremony reflected the profound impact Bishop Mamalassery had on the Garo community. With tears in their eyes, the faithful paid their last respects to their beloved bishop who build the Church in Garo Hills and touched their lives.

Archbishop John Moolachira, of Guwahati and President of the Northeastern Regional Bishops’ Council was the main celebrant at the funeral Holy Mass held at Sacred Heart Shrine, Chandmari, Tura.

Bishop Andrew Marak of Tura delivered a heartfelt homily, highlighting the significant contributions of Bishop Mamalassery. Meghalaya's Chief Minister, Mr. Conrad Sangma, gave a touching eulogy. Additionally, the messages of Pope Francis, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Cardinal Filipe Neri, President of the CCBI, was read to the public.

Pope Francis sent prayerful condolences through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State. He stated, "Bishop Mamalassery’s dedicated episcopal service to the Church in Tura was marked by devotion to the sick and suffering, a zeal for evangelization, and concern for the Christian education of young people."

The final part of the funeral rites were conducted at Mary Queen of Help of Christians Cathedral, Tura, where Bishop George Mamalassery's mortal remains were interred.

Thousands paid tribute to Bishop George, who led the Tura diocese for over 28 years (1979-2007). People queued for long hours to pay their last respects at Bishop’s House Chapel, St. Luke's Church in Walbakgre, and Sacred Heart Shrine in Chandmari, where his remains were kept for public viewing.

19 bishops of the northeast India took part in the funeral services. Abp. Victor Lyngdoh of Shillong, Abp. Linus Neli of Imphal, Abp. Thomas Menamparambil, Archbishop Emeritus of Guwahati, Abp. Dominic Lumon, Archbishop Emeritus of Imphal, Bp. Lumen Montero of Agartala, Bp. Stephen Rotluanga of Aizawl, Bp. Ferdinand Dkhar of Jowai, Bp. Wilbert Marwein of Nongstoin, Bp. Thomas Pulloppillil of Bongaigaon, Bp. Albert Hemrom of Dibrugarh, Bp. Paul Mattekatt of Diphu, Bp. Benny Varghese of Itanagar, Bp. George Palliparambil of Miao, Bp. James Thoppil of Kohima, Bp. Akasius Toppo of Tezpur, Bp. Dennis Panipitchai, Auxiliary Bishop of Miao and Bp. Joachim Walder Auxiliary Bishop of Aizawl. Bp. John Thomas Kattrukudiyil, Bishop Emeritus of Itanagar and hundreds of priests concelebrated and attended the funeral services.

Fr. Sebastian Kurichiyil S.D.B., Provincial superior, Guwahati, Fr. Joseph Mappilaparampil C.M.F., Provincial Superior, Shillong, Fr. Sabu Francis MSFS, Provincial Superior, M.S.F.S., Guwahati, Fr. Sabu Kandemkettiyil C.S.T., Provincial Superior C.S.T., Little Flower, Gorakpur, Bro. Susai S.G., Provincial Montfort Brothers, Guwahati, Fr Joby Mamalassery CST, Nephew of Bishop Mamalassery, Sr. Christina Mynsong M.S.M.H.C., Superior General, M.S.M.H.C., Sr. Salomy Mookenthottam D.S.T., Mother General, D.S.T., Rev. Dilseng M Sangma, General Secretary, Garo Baptist Convention were also attended the funeral services.

Bishop George Mamalassery, Bishop Emeritus of Tura, who played a foundational role in the Diocese of Tura in Garo Hills, passed away at age of 92 on Friday, July 5, 2024.

The missionary work of Bp. George was extended beyond the confines of the Catholic Church in Garo Hills, as he actively engaged with local leaders and government officials to advocate for the rights and welfare of the people. He established numerous churches, schools, and community centers, fostering both faith and education among the local population which has a lasting impact on the community.

The Church in India remains deeply indebted to him for his dedicated missionary work in northeast India. His legacy continues to influence the Church's mission in the region, ensuring that his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.

Dr. Stephen Alathara