Published at Thursday, May 22, 2025

Saturday, 17 May 2025:  
St. Joseph’s Church in Lapang Village under Bameng is blessed on the Saturday by the Bishop of Itanagar. 

The Kingdom of Heaven Grows Like a Mustard Seed
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches” (Matthew 13:31-32). 
This parable has come alive for Holy Cross Parish Bameng. Just as a seed requires time, care, and nourishment to flourish, a church community requires patience, prayer, and dedication to grow and thrive. 
A Journey of Faith Since 1990
The journey of the Catholic community in Bameng began in 1990, with the seeds of faith being planted and ultimately growing into a thriving congregation. Today, the Bameng parish is blessed with 26 village communities.

The story traces back to the 1990s when Prem Bhai visited the area. In 1994, a man named Tamar Lapung was struggling with illness. When local healers were unsuccessful, Prem Bhai intervened, deciding to take him to Seppa for medical treatment. Tamar, initially hesitant, agreed to go under the condition that he would not be converted. Although they could not proceed to Seppa due to complications, Tamar experienced a miraculous healing and returned to his village. 
Transformation Through Faith
Later that year, during Christmas celebrations, Tamar and his wife, Meya, accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord, inspired by Bishop Robert Kerketta. The couple frequently traveled 14 kilometers to attend Sunday services at Bameng Church. Many from Rasang and Poube villages joined their journey, and encouraged by Prem Bhai, Tamar set out to build a church in his village.

On April 12, 1996, Fr. K. Jose SVD blessed the first church, a modest thatched hut. By that time, about 72 families had joined the community, and small churches were established in Poube and Rasang. However, in 2006, some members left to build another church in a nearby village, seeking their own place of worship.
Unity and a New Beginning
In 2012, Bameng parish was officially formed, and efforts were made to reunite the two groups, but they remained divided. However, in 2022, both groups agreed to come together to build a new church. Construction commenced in October 2024, and the church now serves approximately 25 families. On special feast days, congregants from nearby villages gather here to worship.

The community's journey is a testament to their faith and perseverance, and the new church serves as a symbol of their unity and devotion. 
Appreciations go to Fr. Biju Philip MCBS and all the fathers at Bameng for their initiative in uniting and building this beautiful church. Gratitude to the generosity of well-wishers and benefactors who played a vital role in the church's construction.