The Sacred Heart Cathedral in Dibrugarh's Khalihamari area, one of the oldest Catholic churches in Northeast India, is set to hold what may be its final Christmas celebrations this year. Built in 1931, the iconic 94-year-old structure faces demolition due to severe structural deterioration, marking the end of an era for the Catholic community in upper Assam.
A Century-Old Legacy Nears Its End
Father Philip Purty, the financial administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Dibrugarh, confirmed the somber news on Tuesday. He stated that the building has deteriorated significantly over time, with visible cracks in the walls, ceilings, and roof. These damages have rendered the historic structure unsafe for continued use. Consequently, plans are actively underway to demolish the existing cathedral and construct a new church in its place.
For nearly a century, this cathedral has served as a spiritual anchor and a major architectural landmark in Dibrugarh. With a seating capacity of 1,500, it has hosted generations of faithful. The church is particularly renowned for its rare and spectacular mosaic paintings, which have drawn visitors and devotees from across the region. The decision to replace it, driven by safety concerns, comes with a heavy heart for a community deeply attached to its history.
Final Celebrations and Historical Significance
The impending demolition lends profound significance to this year's Christmas observances. Father Cyril Purty, Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Cathedral parish, outlined the schedule. The faithful will gather for the Christmas vigil Holy Mass on December 24 at 9 PM, followed by the Christmas Day service at 8 AM on December 25. Both services will be presided over by Albert Hemrom, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dibrugarh.
"These celebrations carry special significance as they may be our final Christmas within these sacred walls," said Fr. Cyril Purty. He reflected on the building's role as a witness to countless baptisms, weddings, and prayers over 94 years.
Beyond its architectural beauty, the cathedral holds immense historical value. It houses the tomb of Father Leo Piasecki, a Polish Salesian missionary who was instrumental in establishing the Catholic mission in upper Assam in the early 20th century. Fr. Piasecki, who died in 1957, rests on the epistle side of the church, and his legacy is a cornerstone of the region's Catholic history.
Preparing for a Bittersweet Farewell
Despite the looming demolition, the cathedral community is preparing for Christmas with traditional fervor. The spiritual journey began with the nine-day Novena devotional prayer starting on December 16, a practice observed across all Catholic churches in the diocese.
Inside the aging cathedral, preparations are in full swing. The interiors are being adorned with:
- Cribs depicting the birth of Jesus Christ
- Christmas trees and Santa Claus figures
- Festive flowers and decorative lights
The famed mosaic paintings provide a poignant and beautiful backdrop to what could be the last festive celebration within these walls. Father Cyril Purty acknowledged the collective sadness, emphasizing that the safety of parishioners must be the priority. He expressed hope, stating, "The memories and faith that filled these walls for 94 years will continue in the new structure."
As Dibrugarh prepares for this historic transition, the final Christmas at the Sacred Heart Cathedral promises to be an emotional event, blending celebration with farewell, and honoring nearly a century of unwavering faith and community spirit.
