A Pastoral Center for a Diocese in India 

The Diocese of Diphu lies in the state of Assam in northern India. This is a region of great poverty and home to many indigenous tribes. In fact, most of them still adhere to their traditional tribal religions.  

There are about 70,000 Catholics in the diocese. They are a minority in the country, at just over five percent of the total population. And most Catholics have only embraced Christianity in recent decades, so there is still a great need to deepen the faith.  

And so the diocese planned more training courses for priests, religious, and laity, and a range of events, like retreat days and conferences, all aimed at strengthening the life of the Church. But there was no place to hold these gatherings, or to accommodate the participants. The diocese urgently needed a pastoral center with rooms for meetings and overnight stays. But this area is very poor, and the financial demands, especially after the pandemic and a general economic crisis, have only grown. Which is why Bishop Paul Mattekatt asked ACN for help.  

As always, our donors generously responded, and we were able to contribute more than $78,000. As a result, to the great joy of the diocese, the pastoral center in Diphu is now built and consecrated. And still greater is the joy of the priests, religious, and laity, who have already felt the benefits of courses and events. Now they can serve their parishes better. Our heartfelt thanks to all who made this possible! 

Code: 317-08-19