Mass Stipends for Priests in India  

The Diocese of Nongstoin is in an impoverished part of India, in the state of Meghalaya, which is on the frontier with Bangladesh. It includes 22 parishes and 1,076 villages. 850 of the villages have Catholics living in them, and most of them are in remote, rural areas.  

The people live overwhelmingly on traditional agriculture. If the main breadwinner falls ill, even for a few days, the entire family goes hungry. The roads are poor to non-existent, and many of the villages can only be reached on foot. The Church, in addition to its ministry, must be “all things to all men“ and help the people in their everyday material needs as well. Education, healthcare, vocational training – all these are provided by the Church.  

The diocese itself is relatively young and is still being established. The Catholic faithful play an enthusiastic part in the life of the Church; they want to receive the Sacraments and deepen their faith. But given their poverty, they can do very little to support the Church materially. So the diocese barely has the resources to support its priests. And it is particularly difficult, for example, if a priest needs medical care.  

Thanks to our donors, we are able to provide regular support for these priests through Mass stipends – for which they are immensely grateful. Father Johnny Nongkynrih, one of these priests, writes: “Your support is not merely financial in nature, but is like a beacon of hope which sustains my service in the diocese. Your generosity helps to ensure that I can continue to exercise my ministry with devotion and love. Please be assured of my prayers that God will bless you and your loved ones and all your noble work. I am profoundly grateful for your faithful support.” 

We intend to continue supporting Father Johnny and his 33 brother priests by sending them our donors’ Mass stipends. Thank you in advance for the Mass intentions you entrust to us, for the priests in Nongstoin and in so many parts of the world!  

Code: 317-08-masses