Local Community Unites to Restore Chapels in Andaman Islands

Port Blair, September 19, 2024: The Catholic communities of Habdipur in Ferrargunj Parish and Shoalbay in Wimberlygunj Parish recently came together to celebrate the restoration of their village chapels, a project fueled by the power of faith and collaboration. Fr. Vignan Das, Associate Director of Communio, visited the chapels, where he joined parishioners in a Holy Mass to mark the completion of a roofing project initiated by Communio, a department of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).

The chapels, now standing as renewed spiritual homes for the local faithful, represent more than just physical structures. They are the result of a collective effort that saw parishioners contribute not only financially but also with their hands, offering manual labor to bring their community spaces to life. “With the partial aid of Communio and the support of various Ecclesiastical entities, these chapels now serve as a dedicated space for Holy Mass, Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) meetings, catechism classes, and village gatherings,” Fr. Das shared with Catholic Connect.

The restoration, while partially funded by Communio, leaned heavily on the faith and determination of the local community. Parishioners rallied together, combining their resources and physical effort to ensure that these chapels would be fully restored, providing a permanent place for worship and fellowship. Fr. Das praised the community’s unity and expressed his joy in witnessing their dedication. "Most of the construction work was done by the faithful through their offerings and manual labor," he said, acknowledging the deep commitment of the parishioners.

The completion of the Habdipur and Shoalbay chapel projects serves as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when communities work in unison. Through faith, action, and collective responsibility, these Catholic communities have not only rebuilt chapels but also strengthened their bonds, creating lasting spiritual and communal spaces for generations to come.

Communio’s mission to support and sustain under-resourced Catholic communities in rural India continues to inspire similar efforts across the country, ensuring that even the most remote regions have the infrastructure needed for spiritual growth and unity.

By Catholic Connect Reporter