In a testament to the growth of the Congregation of Holy Cross and its mission in India, the Congregation received pastoral responsibility for two newly erected parishes in India.

The first new parish, dedicated to the Mother of Sorrows, is in the state of Telangana and is a part of the Province of South India. On 31 May, the Most Rev. Prakash Sagili, Bishop of the Diocese Khammam, installed Fr. Naresh Namindla, C.S.C., as the first pastor on 31 May, in a beautiful liturgy attended by many Holy Cross religious, including Fr. Lawrence D’Almeida, C.S.C., Superior of the Province of South India.

“We thank God for this blessing and entrust this new mission to the loving intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows, praying that it may bear abundant fruit for the glory of God and the growth of his kingdom of justice and peace through our charism as educators in the faith as entrusted to us by our founder, Blessed Basil Moreau,” said Fr. D’Almeida.

Learn more about the work of Holy Cross in India

Then, just two weeks later, on 14 June in the Northeastern state of Mizoram, the Most Rev. Joachim Walder, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Aizawl, inaugurated Sacred Heart Parish, Lala, in the Cachar region. In the same liturgy, the bishop installed Fr. Abraham C., C.S.C., as pastor, and Fr. Marbilus, C.S.C., as his associate.

The new parish, which is under the pastoral care of the Congregation’s Province of North East India, marks the return of Holy Cross to the Cachar region after nearly 40 years.

“As a new chapter begins for Sacred Heart Parish, we invite the Holy Cross family around the world to join in prayer for its parishioners and pastors,” said Fr. K.J. Abraham, C.S.C., Superior of the Province of North East India. “May this community continue to grow as a living witness to the mission of Christ and the charism of Holy Cross.”