Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, arrived in Tura on Saturday for a two-day visit, becoming the first Vatican ambassador to visit the Garo Hills in Christian-majority Meghalaya. The visit, described by local officials as a historic pastoral engagement, included liturgical events, prayers at bishops’ graves and public receptions across the district.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma received the nuncio at Don Bosco in Mendal, North Garo Hills district and said he was honoured to welcome the Pope’s ambassador. “His gracious presence is a true blessing for our community and his words of spiritual wisdom is an inspiration to the church and all its endeavours in the region and the state,” the chief minister wrote on his social media handle.
On Saturday evening the nuncio took part in a concelebrated Mass at the cathedral attended by clergy from across the region. He also visited the graves of past bishops, where he offered special prayers, underscoring the visit’s pastoral and commemorative emphasis.
The Vatican envoy was later accorded a public reception at Sacred Heart Church, Chandmari, Tura, and witnessed an indigenous cultural programme at the Sacred Heart Shrine, highlighting local faith traditions and community participation.
A Pontifical Mass is scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 am at the Sacred Heart Shrine gate in Tura, which organisers say is expected to draw large numbers of Catholic faithful from the area.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/vatican-ambassador-arrives-in-tura-on-two-day-visit/articleshow/128894941.cms
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Publish Date: 2026-03-01 00:10:00
