From 28-30 November 2025, the Diocese of Mizoram held the concluding celebrations marking the 100 years of the Catholic Church’s presence in the Northeast Indian state. For the Congregation of Holy Cross, they were days of deep joy and thanksgiving as Holy Cross religious played pivotal roles in the arrival and spread of the Catholic faith in Mizoram.
The initial spark of the Catholic faith in Mizoram was lit by Fr. Pierre Boulay, C.S.C. After a short visit to the Lushai Hills in 1914, Fr. Boulay was given official permission to visit Aizawl in 1925 by the Commissioner of Silchar. Aizawl would later become the capital of Mizoram when it became a Union Territory (1972) and then a full-fledged state (1987). Two years after Fr. Boulay went to Aizawl, the Diocese of Chittagong was established in 1927. At the time, the diocese included present-day Mizoram, and Fr. Boulay would serve as its Vicar General.
Over the decades, many Holy Cross Priests and Brothers have served as missionaries in Mizoram. Both the Congregation’s Province of North East India and its St. André Province have ministries in the state, including parishes and schools. In addition, the Most Rev. Stephen Rotluanga, C.S.C., has served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Aizawl since 2 February 2002.
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Various events were held throughout the Diocese of Aizawl in 2025 to mark the centenary and lead up to the culminating three days of celebration at the property of the Bishop’s House in Ramthar Veng, Aizawl. Over those three days, the “Centenary Gong” was rung 100 times to mark the anniversary and symbolize the continuity of the faith. In addition to one representative from all 24 parishes in the diocese, several of Holy Cross religious were given the honor of striking the gong.
The Solemn Mass to conclude the festivities was held on 30 November and drew over 4,000 lay faithful (roughly 10% of the Catholic population in the state). The Most Rev. Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, presided at the Mass, with 10 bishops and over 80 priests concelebrating.
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In his remarks, the nuncio emphasized the importance of Christian unity, as Mizoram is one of only three Indian states with a Christian majority. The largest denominations are Presbyterian and Baptist. “The Catholics in Mizoram, being with different denominations, are called to be united in faith, love, and charity.”
Given the Congregation’s history and current ministry in the Mizoram, there was a significant number of Holy Cross religious present for the celebrations, including the Most Rev. Lumen Monteiro, C.S.C., Bishop of the neighboring Diocese of Agartala, and Fr. KJ Abraham, C.S.C., Superior of the Province of North East India.
Representing the General Administration was Fr. Emmanuel Kallarackal, C.S.C., Vicar and First Assistant, who offered words of appreciation, gratitude, and encouragement.
“May your centenary celebrations be a powerful catalyst, igniting a greater enthusiasm and zeal to make Jesus known, loved, and served in all your endeavors,” said Fr. Emmanuel. “May the next hundred years witness an exponential growth in faith, charity, and service, built upon the sturdy foundation laid by the pioneers.”
Bishop Rotluanga echoed the same sentiment: “Our pioneers have sown the seeds, so we are called to carry forward the faith to all with our living witness.”