Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians
The cathedral of the Archdiocese of Shillong, a Gothic Revival church in the hill station capital of Meghalaya that serves the predominantly tribal Catholic community of northeast India.
Shillong's cathedral sits among pine trees on a hillside in this cool, rainy city in India's northeast, and it feels more like a church in the Scottish Highlands than anything you would expect in South Asia. Meghalaya — the name means "abode of clouds" — is lush, green, and wet, and the Gothic Revival cathedral, with its stone walls, pointed arches, and slate roof, suits the landscape. It was built in the early twentieth century by Salesian missionaries who had come to work among the Khasi and Jaintia tribal peoples of the region. The interior is modest: a nave with wooden pews, a vaulted ceiling, and stained glass windows that filter the overcast light. Meghalaya is one of the most Christian states in India — about seventy percent of the population identifies as Christian, most of them Catholic or Presbyterian, and the Khasi tribal identity has become closely interwoven with the faith. The cathedral is the center of this community, and its parish life is active: youth groups, choirs, and social programs run throughout the week. The Salesians remain present, and their schools are among the best in the region.
Diocese: Archdiocese of Shillong
Style: Gothic Revival
What to See
The setting is the first thing — the stone church among the pines, often wrapped in cloud, has a moody beauty. Inside, the nave is simple and well-maintained, with stained glass that works well with the diffuse hill-station light. The Salesian presence is evident in the parish buildings and schools surrounding the cathedral. If you attend a Mass, the congregational singing, led by Khasi voices, is clear and strong.
Pilgrim Notes
Shillong is reachable by road from Guwahati, about three hours north, which has the nearest airport and railway station. The city is compact and walkable, though hilly. Mass is offered in English and Khasi. Meghalaya's attractions include the living root bridges of Cherrapunji, the cleanest village in Asia at Mawlynnong, and the dramatic waterfalls that dot the Khasi Hills. The Catholic community here is welcoming to visitors.