Shillong, Oct 12: The Synjuk ki Seng Rangbah Katholik (Catholic Men’s Association) of Zone 8 held its first-ever gathering at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Mawpat, from October 11 to 12, bringing together Catholic men from various parishes under the zone for two days of fellowship, faith renewal, and community strengthening.
The event was held under the guidance of the Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Pascal Lyngdoh, with the theme drawn from Romans 12:12 — “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Zone 8 is among the newest zones under the Archdiocese of Shillong, reflecting the growing number of parishes and active participation of the faithful. The zone comprises Mary Our Christian Parish (Mawpdang), St. Rose of Lima (Umpling), St. Dominic Savio (Nongrah), Sacred Heart (Nongmensong), and Immaculate Heart of Mary (Mawpat). The Mawpat and Nongmensong parishes, previously under Zone II (Pynthorumkhrah Parish), were recently reassigned to the new zone after becoming independent parishes.
The two-day gathering, led by Zone President Mr. Dimarson Marbaniang and General Secretary Mr. H. Kharlyngdoh, saw active participation from representatives of all five parishes. The Parish Priest of Mawpat, Rev. Fr. Roibok Buiam, described the event as a “fruitful and meaningful beginning,” noting the men’s collective resolve to work together in faith formation, evangelization, charitable initiatives, and family strengthening.
The gathering concluded on Sunday with a Holy Mass celebrated by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Shillong, Rev. Fr. Jameris Shylla, who served as the chief guest. He was joined by Rev. Fr. Roibok Buiam, Rev. Fr. Pascal Lyngdoh, and other priests from the Archdiocese.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Shylla congratulated the men of Zone 8 for their unity and dedication, encouraging them to be steadfast followers of Christ and to live out the Gospel within their families and communities. He emphasized the vital role of fathers and men in the Church as moral leaders, witnesses of faith, and pillars of Christian society.
The concluding day also featured a Sacrament service led by Rev. Fr. Pascal Lyngdoh, an inspirational sharing by Mr. Stanley Bareh, and cultural performances along with the distribution of prizes for various activities held during the meet.
The event ended with the lowering of the flag, conducted by Rev. Fr. Pascal Lyngdoh and Mr. A.L. Hek, marking the successful close of the first gathering of the Catholic Men’s Association of Zone 8 — and laying a strong foundation for continued unity, faith, and service in the years ahead.
