As the bells chime for the festive season, a sense of deep nostalgia and solemnity has gripped the Catholic community in Dibrugarh. The historic Sacred Heart Cathedral, one of the oldest and most architecturally significant churches in Northeast India, is set to witness its final Christmas celebration within its existing structure this year.
Located in the Khalihamari area, the Cathedral has been a spiritual landmark since its completion in 1931. Renowned for its rare and spectacular mosaic paintings that adorn the sanctuary, the building has served as a beacon of faith for nearly a century. However, time has taken a heavy toll on the venerable structure.
Visible cracks now trace across the high ceilings, walls, and the roof of the 1,500-capacity Cathedral. Following structural assessments that labeled the building unsafe for large congregations, the Church administration has made the difficult decision to demolish the current structure to make way for a modern, safer edifice.
Fr. Philip Purty, Financial Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Dibrugarh, confirmed the transition on Tuesday. “This Christmas may well be the last celebration held in the present structure of the Cathedral. While it is difficult to bid farewell to a building that holds so much history, the safety of our faithful is paramount. We hope the new structure will carry forward the legacy of this sacred space,” Fr. Purty stated.
The Cathedral also serves as the final resting place for Fr. Leo Piasecki, a legendary Polish Salesian missionary. Piasecki, who was instrumental in establishing the Catholic mission in Upper Assam during the early 20th century, passed away in 1957 and remains interred on the epistle side of the altar. Church officials have noted that the historical and spiritual essence of the site, including the memory of pioneers like Piasecki, will be preserved in the new project.
As the “Christmas Novena”—the nine-day devotional preparation—continues, the parish is buzzing with activity. Inside the Cathedral, the intricate mosaic walls are being illuminated with yuletide splendor. Traditional cribs depicting the Nativity, towering Christmas trees, and vibrant decorative lights have been installed for the final time beneath the old roof.
Fr. Cyril Purty, Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, outlined the schedule for the historic services. “The Christmas Vigil Holy Mass will be observed on December 24 at 9 pm, followed by the Christmas Day service at 8 am. Both services will be presided over by Rev. Albert Hemrom, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dibrugarh. We expect a large gathering of the faithful who wish to offer their prayers in this historic building one last time.”
For the thousands of devotees who have celebrated baptisms, weddings, and funerals within these walls, this year’s “Silent Night” will carry an extra layer of poignancy—a final farewell to a structure that has sheltered their prayers since 1931.
