Salesian Bishop Joseph Aind Marks 50 Years of Priestly Ministry in Dibrugarh

30 August 2026

News reported by: Fr. Blasius Tete sdb, IND

Bishop Joseph Aind, SDB, DD, Bishop Emeritus of Dibrugarh, marked his Golden Jubilee of Priestly Ordination on August 22 and 23 at Doomdooma Catholic Church in Upper Assam, celebrating five decades of priestly service to the Church and the people of God.

The two-day thanksgiving celebration drew priests and religious of the Diocese on the first day and more than 1,000 faithful from different parts of the Diocese on the second.

In his homily, Most Rev. Albert Hemrom, Archbishop-Elect of Dibrugarh, reflected on Bishop Aind’s priestly journey and highlighted his years of pastoral service, sacrifices and contributions to the Diocese of Dibrugarh. He commended him for his steadfast commitment to the Church throughout his ministry.

As a Salesian of Don Bosco, Bishop Aind’s 50-year priestly journey has been marked by dedicated service, particularly in the missionary context of Northeast India. His ministry has been characterised by pastoral commitment, sacrifice and service to God’s people.

The second day’s celebration was attended by more than 1,000 faithful from various villages of the Diocese, who joined in honouring the jubilee. Bishop Aind was the principal celebrant at the Holy Mass, concelebrated by six priests.

In his homily, Bishop Aind expressed gratitude for God’s goodness, love and compassion throughout his priestly journey. He urged the faithful to place their trust in God and remain steadfast in their Christian vocation, as he had done in his own ministry.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Aind released golden jubilee balloons into the sky, symbolising joy, thanksgiving, hope and five decades of priestly service. The youth and mothers of the parish then presented a traditional Adivasi dance as a gesture of welcome, before the bishops, priests and guests proceeded to the hall for the felicitation programme.

The felicitation programme provided an opportunity for the faithful to express their gratitude and affection for Bishop Aind and to acknowledge his contributions to the Diocese and to the people entrusted to his pastoral care, in keeping with the jubilee celebration.

The celebration was attended by several Church leaders, including Most Rev. Albert Hemrom, DD, Archbishop-Elect of Dibrugarh; Most Rev. P. K. George, Bishop of Miao; Most Rev. Panipitchai Denis, Co-adjutor Bishop of Miao; and Fr Joseph Pampackal, SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Dimapur, who joined in the thanksgiving.