India: Shillong Archdiocese welcomes youngest Auxiliary Bishop Bernard Laloo

In a significant event for the Catholic community of Shillong State, Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh of the Shillong Archdiocese ordained Auxiliary Bishop-Elect Bernard Laloo at Calvary Cathedral on March 30, 2025. 

The grand ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Deputy Minister Prestone Tynsong, and MLA Vincent Pala, along with Apostolic Nuncio Leopoldo Girelli, three archbishops, thirteen bishops from the region, three auxiliary bishops, two emeritus bishops, thousands of priests and nuns, and a congregation of 150,000 faithful. To accommodate the large crowd, over ten giant screens were set up outside the venue. 

Delivering his homily, Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh proclaimed, "Today we rejoice because we have a new shepherd, Auxiliary Bishop Bernard Laloo."

The archbishop encouraged the faithful to trust in God's power and embrace reconciliation, particularly during the Lenten season. Addressing Bishop Laloo directly, he affirmed, "God has chosen you to be the shepherd of the Archdiocese of Shillong."

The archbishop’s words, urging humility and compassion, resonated deeply with the assembly. 

At 48 years old, Bishop Bernard Laloo is the youngest bishop to be ordained in the region, surpassing the record previously held by Nongstoin Bishop Wilbert Marwein. 

Reflecting on this historic milestone, Auxiliary Bishop of Tura, Jose Chirackal, highlighted the significance of a youth-led perspective in the Church’s leadership. 

During the post-communion address, Cardinal Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, expressed his joy and extended warm wishes to Bishop Laloo.

He also conveyed Pope Francis' gratitude to Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh for his dedicated service and honored the memory of the late Archbishop Dominic Jala, acknowledging his nearly two decades of contributions to the Church. 

The Nuncio encouraged Bishop Laloo by saying, "May the Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for you, and may St. Joseph inspire you as you work for the growth of God's kingdom."

He also emphasized Laloo’s episcopal motto, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their associations," while reminding him of the challenges ahead in building the Kingdom of God. 

In his thanksgiving address, Bishop Laloo expressed deep gratitude to God for his life and priesthood, quoting, "The Lord has done great things for me, and holy is His name."

He acknowledged the trust placed in him by Pope Francis and expressed appreciation for the support of Archbishop John Moolachira and Vice President Archbishop Linus Neill. 

The appointment of Laloo by Pope Francis was announced on February 8, 2025. 

Born in Laitlyngkot, India, on June 16, 1976, Laloo received his priesthood ordination on April 30, 2006.

Throughout his service in the Shillong Archdiocese, Laloo has held various roles, including: 

✅ Assistant at St. Paul’s Church, Upper Shillong

✅ Administrator of Christ the King College, Shillong

✅ Dean of Studies at St. Paul’s Seminary, Shillong

✅ Principal of Divine Saviour Higher Secondary School, Laitumkhrah

✅ Director of the Social Service Centre, Shillong

✅ Chancellor of the Archdiocese

✅ Parish Priest of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Laitumkhrah

The ordination of Bishop Laloo marks a new chapter for the Shillong Archdiocese, bringing renewed hope and faith to the Catholic community.