NESCOM, Guwahati February 19, 2026: Christ the King Church, Taraso in Itanagar diocese was formally erected as a parish on February 14, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the growth of the Catholic community whose journey of faith began in 1979.
The seeds of the Catholic faith in Taraso were sown through missionary outreach from Borgang Parish under the Diocese of Tezpur. The pastoral care of the emerging community was entrusted to Late Rev. Fr. Cherian Moolamattom, a zealous missionary and the first Director and Founder of Catholic Hospital, Borgang. Through his missionary commitment and compassionate service, the foundation was laid for the establishment of Christ the King Church, Taraso.
The early growth of the community was supported by Mr. Gyamer Takar, the first catechist of Taraso, who guided the faithful through catechesis and prayer gatherings. A landmark moment in the history of the local Church was the first baptism and marriage of Shri Chera Taki (James) and Smt. Chera Yaper (Agnes), signifying the formal beginning of the Catholic presence in the village.
Over the years, the faith community steadily expanded. At present, Christ the King Church, Taraso comprises 54 families with approximately 324 members. The community had been under the pastoral care of the Claretian Fathers of Divine Mercy Parish, Chimpu, with Catechist Shri Techi Mark assisting in the spiritual formation of the faithful. Regular prayer gatherings, catechism programmes, and active participation in parish life have sustained the missionary spirit of the community.
The Parish Erection and Shelter Festival ceremony was presided over by Most Rev. Benny Varghese, Bishop of Itanagar, in the presence of Rev. Fr. Jacob Mattathilany, Vicar General of the Diocese of Itanagar, and Rev. Fr. Cyril CMI, Provincial Superior of St. Paul Province, Bhopal. Fr. Danish Kannadan CMI was appointed as the first Parish Priest of Christ the King Church, Taraso.
The celebration witnessed the participation of several priests and religious sisters from the Dioceses of Tezpur and Itanagar, along with a large gathering of faithful, catechists, village leaders, and members from neighbouring communities. During the Eucharistic celebration, fifteen children received their First Holy Communion.
The programme concluded with the Shelter Festival celebration, with Shri Vivek Nabam, MLA, as the Chief Guest. A felicitation programme and fellowship meal followed, strengthening bonds of unity among the faithful.
The erection of Christ the King Church, Taraso as a parish stands as a testimony to decades of missionary dedication, community commitment, and the steady growth of faith in the region.