Shillong, August 20, 2025: The Archdiocese of Shillong and the faithful across Meghalaya are mourning the passing of Rev. Fr. Francis Kharwanlang (November 27, 1945 – August 20, 2025), the second Diocesan Priest of the Archdiocese of Shillong, who devoted more than five decades of his life to the service of God and the Church. He was 79.
Born in Tynrong, Sohra, Fr. Francis was ordained a priest on November 18, 1972. Over the years, he faithfully served in several parishes including Pynursla, Mawkhar, Marbisu, Cathedral Parish Shillong, Markasa, and Mawprem. He also guided seminarians as Spiritual Director at St. Paul’s Seminary and St. Xavier’s Minor Seminary, Upper Shillong, before retiring to St. John XXIII Clergy Home.
As a senior priest of the Archdiocese, Fr. Francis shouldered many key responsibilities, including Director of the Catechist-cum-Teachers Training Centre at Marbisu, General Secretary of the Centenary Celebration of Northeast India, and Chancellor & Notary of the Archdiocese of Shillong.
He was widely regarded as a tireless promoter of the Divine Mercy devotion and the spirituality of St. Faustina. Through retreats, prayer meetings, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, he nurtured the faith of thousands, leaving behind a spiritual legacy that will continue to inspire.
Known for his humility, prayerful life, and deep commitment to the pastoral mission of the Church, Fr. Francis was often described by the faithful as a “legend of prayer” – a shepherd who guided youth, families, and communities with gentleness and wisdom.
His funeral Mass was held at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Shillong, presided over by Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh and concelebrated by Bishop Synrop, Bishop Bernard Laloo, and Bishop Wilbert Marweiñ. Thousands of faithful, priests, religious, and relatives gathered to bid farewell, after which his mortal remains were laid to rest at the Laitumkhrah Cemetery.
In the days following his passing, prayers and vigils were held at the Bishop’s House, where the faithful came together to pay their respects and pray for the repose of his soul.
Fr. Francis leaves behind a legacy of prayer, service, and devotion that will remain etched in the hearts of the Church in Meghalaya.
