Tura Diocese pioneer Bishop George Mamalassery dies at 92

Bishop Emeritus George Mamalassery, the inaugural bishop of Tura Diocese in Meghalaya, breathed his last on July 5 at Holy Cross Hospital, Tura, at the age of 92. His death was attributed to severe respiratory complications following prolonged treatment for lung fluid accumulation.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed his condolences, hailing Bishop Mamalassery as “a pillar of faith and beacon of hope” whose enduring legacy will continue to inspire.

“Saddened by the news of Bishop Emeritus George Mamalassery’s passing. He will be remembered fondly as a stalwart of faith and a symbol of hope. His legacy will remain a guiding light for us all. Condolences to his family, friends, and the Christian community in Meghalaya and beyond,” the chief minister remarked.

Born in 1932 in Kerala, Mamalassery was ordained in 1960 and volunteered for service in Northeast India. He arrived in the challenging terrain of the Garo Hills, where he dedicated nearly two decades before being appointed as Tura’s first Bishop in 1979.

During his 28-year tenure, Mamalassery significantly expanded the church’s footprint, establishing 23 parishes equipped with churches, schools, and healthcare facilities. His emphasis on education led to the founding of colleges in Tura and Williamnagar, enhancing educational standards across the region.

Beyond religious duties, Mamalassery’s initiatives included the establishment of the 150-bed Holy Cross Hospital in 1993 and the setup of 34 dispensaries throughout the Garo Hills. His contributions earned him the moniker “Engineer Bishop” for his dedication to infrastructure development.

Additionally, he founded Bakdil, a prominent diocesan social service center that evolved into one of Northeast India’s foremost NGOs. His accomplishments in education, healthcare, and socio-economic welfare garnered him accolades, including the Pa Togan Sangma award from the Meghalaya government and an honorary doctorate from the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, in 2019.