Shillong Jully 04: Mawpat parish got its first priest through Fr. Simon Edward Nongrum who was ordained in Belgium recently
Fr Simon, who belongs to the Salesian of Don Bosco (SDB) congregation of the Catholic Church, is the second child of Gedeon Nongspung and Merina Nongrum of Mawlong village.
Born on November 5, 1984, Fr Simon has been aspiring to become a priest since childhood, and his father had served as catechist for 25 years under Pynthorumkhrah parish.
After completing class VII, Fr Simon joined Savio Juniorate, Mawlai from 2001 to 2004 where he completed his matriculation. Later he joined Sunny Side (seminary). He completed his class-XI and XII from Bosco Mount Rongkhon, Tura from 2004 to 2006. After completing philosophy, he did his B.A. from Vishwa Joythi Don Bosco College Warangal, Andhra Pradesh from 2006 to 2010.
Prior to becoming a priest, Fr Simon, took his vow as Deacon on October 29, 2016 in Belgium. The Diocese of Ghent Belgium was entrusted to ordain him as priest by Bishop Lucas Van Looy, SDB, on June 24, 2017 in the presence of Salesian members from Amsterdam Province.
After his ordination, Fr Simon returned home on June 30, for a thanksgiving mass where he was received by his parents, relatives and well wishers and faithfuls of the Catholic Church, with joy to see him as the first priest of Mawpat parish.
