Bishop George Mamalassery remembered on 2nd death anniversary; Bust unveiled, road dedicated in his honour

Tura, July 4: The Diocese of Tura on Saturday commemorated the second death anniversary of the late Most Rev. George Mamalassery with the unveiling of his memorial bust at St. Luke’s Church, Walbakgre, and the dedication of the Bishop George Mamalassery Road, connecting Holy Cross Junction with St. Luke’s Church and Holy Cross Hospital.

The commemorative programme was attended by Cabinet Minister Marcuise N. Marak, Rev. Bishop Andrew R. Marak, Auxiliary Bishop George Chirakal, Additional Deputy Commissioner J.R.T. Sangma (MCS), Abigail Tariang (MCS), Fr. Jobi Mamalassery, CST, officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), priests, religious sisters, representatives of parish councils and Catholic organisations, and hundreds of faithful from across the Diocese of Tura.

Welcoming the gathering, organisers remembered the late prelate, affectionately known as “Bishop Mama”, as a shepherd whose life was devoted to faith, education, healthcare and the service of society. They said that while his passing had left a deep void in the Diocese of Tura, his vision and legacy continue to inspire generations. They also welcomed Cabinet Minister Marcuise N. Marak, who unveiled the memorial bust and formally dedicated the road named in the bishop’s honour.

Delivering the keynote tribute, Auxiliary Bishop George Chirakal reflected on Bishop Mamalassery’s 28 years of episcopal leadership, describing him as a visionary whose impact extended well beyond the Church. He said the late bishop transformed the educational, healthcare and social landscape of Garo Hills through his unwavering commitment to the holistic development of the people.

Highlighting his contribution to education, Bishop Chirakal said Bishop Mamalassery established an extensive network comprising 57 lower primary schools, 35 middle schools, 16 secondary schools, two higher secondary schools, 24 girls’ hostels and 23 boys’ hostels across Garo Hills. Recognising the need for quality higher education, he invited the Salesians to establish Don Bosco College, Tura, in 1988 and later encouraged the Jesuits to open another college in the region, significantly expanding educational opportunities for local youth.

Speaking on the bishop’s contribution to healthcare, Bishop Chirakal said he established more than 20 rural dispensaries and played a pivotal role in strengthening Holy Cross Hospital by promoting nursing education and encouraging the training of local healthcare professionals. His initiatives, he said, greatly improved access to quality healthcare, particularly for people living in remote villages.

He further noted that Bishop Mamalassery was deeply committed to social welfare, inviting various religious congregations to establish rehabilitation centres for persons with disabilities and strengthening the Diocese Social Service Society. Under his leadership, the organisation evolved into one of the region’s leading development agencies, working closely with government departments in livelihood generation, rural development and community empowerment. Even after retiring in 2007, Bishop Mamalassery remained actively involved in pastoral ministry, celebrating Holy Mass daily while continuing to guide parish infrastructure and developmental projects until his final years.

Addressing the gathering, Cabinet Minister Marcuise N. Marak said Christian missionaries had played a transformative role in the development of Garo Hills by expanding access to education, healthcare and social services. He said institutions established by missionaries in Tura, Williamnagar and other parts of the region had raised educational standards and created opportunities for generations of young people.

Paying tribute to the late bishop, Marak described Bishop Mamalassery as one of the architects of modern Garo Hills, whose vision laid a strong foundation for the region’s educational and socio-economic progress. He also acknowledged the bishop’s role in strengthening social service initiatives through organisations such as BAKSID, which created livelihood opportunities and promoted sustainable community development.

The minister further said the Meghalaya Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, is working towards building a 10-billion-dollar economy by 2028 and sustaining that growth through 2032. He said achieving this vision would require continued collaboration between the government and institutions such as the Church, which have made invaluable contributions to human resource development and community empowerment.

A major highlight of the programme was the announcement of the BP Mama Memorial Scholarship, unveiled by Bishop Andrew R. Marak. The scholarship has been instituted to honour the enduring legacy of Bishop George Mamalassery by supporting deserving students and encouraging academic excellence across the region. Bishop George Mamalassery remembered on 2nd death anniversary; Bust unveiled, road dedicated in his honour

The programme also featured a prayer dance, special choir presentations by the RSM School of Nursing, a cake-cutting ceremony and prayers in memory of the late bishop, with hundreds of faithful joining in to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of one of the Diocese’s most respected leaders.

Bishop George Mamalassery served as Bishop of Tura for nearly three decades and is widely regarded as one of the most influential church leaders in the history of Garo Hills. Beyond his pastoral ministry, he transformed the region through the establishment of schools, hostels and colleges, expanded healthcare services through rural dispensaries and the strengthening of Holy Cross Hospital, and championed socio-economic development through community-based organisations and livelihood programmes. His vision helped shape the Diocese of Tura into a centre of education, healthcare and social service, leaving behind a legacy that continues to touch thousands of lives across Meghalaya.

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