TURA, June 24 – For the first time in the history of the Roman Catholic church in Garo Hills, a Garo priest will assume the chair of the Bishop of Tura on the retirement of the present Bishop Rt Rev George Mamalassery. Pope John Paul II has nominated Fr Andrew R Marak as the Co-adjutor Bishop of Tura, the announcement of which was made by the Vatican Radio of Rome on Thursday, June 17, 2004.
As Co-adjutor Bishop of Tura, the Bishop-elect will assist Bishop George Mamalassery in his pastoral duties and will also be the Vicar General of the Diocese. He will succeed Bishop George Mamalassery as Bishop of Tura when the Episcopal seat becomes vacant. The date of the Episcopal Ordination is expected to be announced sometime later.
Fr Andrew R Marak was born to Birendro Sangma and Nolish R Marak in 1952 at Chimagre village of East Garo Hills. On completion of his school education, he joined St Paul’s Minor Seminary, Shillong for the minor seminary studies. He completed his studies on philosophy and theology at St. Albert’s College, Ranchi. Prior to his major seminary studies, he had served as the Head Catechist of Rongjeng Parish.
After his ordination to the priesthood on January 10, 1982 by Rt. Rev. Orestes Marengo, Fr Andrew was appointed as Assistant Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Tura. Later on, he served as Parish Priests of Baghmara, Cathedral Church, Sacred Heart Church, Tura and Dadenggiri. He was also the Vicar General of the diocese from 1993 to 1998. Having obtained a diploma in Pastoral Theology from the Philippines, Bishop Elect Fr Andrew is presently serving as the Parish Priest of Cathedral Church, Tura.
Besides being the Editor of Sengba’a, the monthly publication of the diocese, he has also been actively involved in preaching ministry at conventions and retreats and in establishing small Christian Communities in the various parishes of Tura.