St Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Dibrugarh Welcomes New Rector

Dibrugarh, 17 May, 2025 - St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary, Dibrugarh, warmly welcomed its new rector, Fr. William Horo, on 16 May, 2025, with a vibrant and heartfelt ceremony steeped in tradition and cultural pride.

Seminarians greeted Fr. Horo at the garden entrance with a solemn ritual of foot-washing and the draping of a ceremonial shawl. Divided into Sadri, Santhali and Boro language groups, they expressed their joy through a colourful sequence of cultural dances, symbolising the seminary’s unity in diversity. Each group took turns leading the rector towards the church courtyard, celebrating their shared heritage.

In a profound gesture of humility, Fr. Horo reciprocated the welcome. After Fr. Sebastian Karotemporal’s farewell address, he called forward those who had washed his feet and, in a moving act of service, washed their hands. “I am not here to boss over you, but to serve and guide you,” he said. “Together, we will make this house a happy home.”

Fr. Horo was then formally led to the rector’s office, where he took the oath of office and secrecy with his hand on the Bible. Fr. Philip, the diocesan Financial Administrator, presided over the ceremony, witnessed by Fr. Sebastian and Fr Manjit Barla.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks and high tea. Founded in 1962 as a regional seminary, St. Joseph’s now hosts 82 seminarians and remains a key formation centre, continuing to serve the Diocese of Tezpur.

By Fr. Manjit Barla