Dibrugarh, Dec 23: The Sacred Heart Cathedral, one of Northeast India’s oldest cathedral churches built in 1931, is likely to witness its final Christmas celebrations within its present structure this year.
Located at Khalihamari, the historic Catholic church has been lovingly prepared for the season. Its altar hosts a serene tableau of the infant Jesus amid tastefully decorated cribs, while parishioners have adorned the statue of the Virgin Mary in the compound with candles and ribbons. The cathedral’s age-old mosaic artworks—renowned for their intricate detail and spiritual symbolism—stand as silent witnesses to decades of devotion, artistry, and faith.
For generations, these mosaics and the cathedral’s soaring interiors have reflected history, told stories, and sustained belief, making the church a cultural and religious landmark of Dibrugarh.
However, time has taken its toll. “The cathedral, which has a seating capacity of about 1,500, has deteriorated significantly, with visible cracks in the walls, ceilings, and roof, rendering the structure unsafe,” said Fr Philip Purty, Financial Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Dibrugarh. “Plans are therefore underway to demolish the existing building and construct a new church.”
He added that this Christmas may well be the last celebrated within the present walls. “If so, the midnight prayers and hymns will carry a deeper meaning—echoing gratitude, nostalgia, and farewell—as the faithful gather one final time beneath the mosaic-clad walls that have sheltered their prayers for nearly a century,” Fr Purty said.
The cathedral also houses the tomb of Fr Leo Piasecki, a Polish Salesian missionary who played a pivotal role in establishing the Catholic mission in Upper Assam in the early 20th century. Fr Piasecki, who passed away in 1957, is laid to rest on the epistle side of the church.
For the people of Dibrugarh, the cathedral holds a special place in the city’s collective memory—not only as one of its oldest structures, but as a repository of personal milestones, shared histories, and enduring faith.
This year’s Christmas vigil Holy Mass will be held on December 24 at 9 pm, followed by the Christmas Day service at 8 am on December 25. Both services will be presided over by Albert Hemrom, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dibrugarh.
Beyond the church, the festive spirit has spread across Christian neighbourhoods, with porches and living rooms adorned with Christmas trees decked in bells and satin ribbons. Restaurants, malls, and shops across the city are also vying for attention with glittering stars and Santa figurines—adding colour and cheer to a season marked by both celebration and poignant transition.
Also Read: CM Conrad plays impromptu Santa Claus, spreads Christmas spirit at Tura Bazar
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