94 years old Fr Battista Busolin laid to rest

***The funeral mass of Rev. Fr. Battista Busolin, who was laid to rest today at Bosco Mount, Rongkhon Tura***

From Our Correspondent

TURA,DEC 26: Ninety-four year old Italian born Reverend father Battista Busolin, who served in Meghalaya’s Garo hills for over six decade, was laid to rest on Monday at Bosco Mount Rongkhon. He passed away due to old age on December 24 at Holy Cross Hospital Tura.

His funeral mass was attended by Salesian Province of Guwahati Reverend Father VM Thomas, catholic priest, nun from across Garo hills and parts of Northeast.

Tura Lok Sabha MP Conrad K. Sangma and Daddengre MLA James K. Sangma also attended the funeral mass and paid their last respect to Father Busolin, who was instrumental in educating their father late Purno Agitok Sangma.

Born on January 16, 1922, in Padua, Italy, he set his foot on Garo hills in 1950 and has since devoted his life to endless and untiring service for the people.

He has been a patron, friend and guide to many people in Garo hills.

Don Bosco College, Tura, Don Bosco BEd College, Don Bosco College Higher Secondary Section, the College Hostel are all monuments of his vision and commitment to the development of Garo hills.

He has also set up numerous schools and dispensaries in Rongjeng, Garobadha, Baghmara and in several villages of Garo hills.

He has brought hope into the lives of a million people, and has educated over 20,000 students, many of whom are now holding responsible positions in the society.

Bishop of Tura Reverend Father Andrew R. Marak recalled his encounter with the Italian missionary during the funeral mass held at Sacred Heart Church and said that he was inspired by his life.

“My vocation to priesthood started from my encounter with Father Busolin,” the Bishop said.

He also said that the hard work and commitment of Father Busolin to his mission is to be followed. The Bishop said that Father Busolin had asked him not to pronounce his mission on his funeral mass, so he restrained from reminding the people of his contributions to Garo hills.

On August 15 last, Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma had felicitated Father Busolin for his selfless service to the people of Garo hills.