Cathedral Catholic Church, Shillong / 2023

The beauty of Shillong is exemplified by the magnificent and beautiful Cathedral Catholic Church. Formally called the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, this is one of the most-visited tourist destinations of the Scotland of the East. Over 3,00,000 Catholics pay their obeisance in the cathedral. The cathedral is known for its architectural brilliance as well as its pious environment. There are 14 stations of the Cross that are painted with stories of the Christ. The stained glass windows are also painted in myriad colours. If one looks at the cathedral from the top, they can see that the church is shaped as a Cross.

There are two stairways leading to the church, which add to the grandeur of the surrounding. The cathedral holds service every Wednesday and Sunday. Service is conducted in both English and the local language, Khasi. During the centenary celebrations in the year 1980, the then archbishop, late Rt. Rev. Hubert D’Rosario, had declared the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians to be a pilgrimage centre. On the area opposite to the cathedral stands an open statue of Jesus Christ with his disciples. The cathedral stands as a reminder of the strong missionary and Christian influence found in the city.