St Mary's Parish celebrated its Parish Feast day at St Mary's school, Puak Gumin Aalo

Описание: About St Mary’s Parish, Aalo

Parish Overview
St Mary’s Parish, Aalo, falls within the Diocese of Itanagar and plays a central role in the local Catholic community. It is associated with both educational and religious institutions that serve Aalo and the greater West Siang district .

Educational Outreach
The parish is tied to St Mary’s School, located in Puakgumin, Aalo, offering CBSE curriculum and managed by the Sisters of the Cross (SCC) .
Additionally, Saint Francis de Sales College (SFS College) in Aalo—established in 2007 and run by the MSFS Fathers—has connections to the parish. The college embraces a secular educational ethos and admits students from all backgrounds, focusing on forming responsible citizens .

Community Engagement
The parish and its associated institutions bring educational and social welfare benefits to the broader community. For instance, the diocese also supports hostels like the SABS Girls Hostel catering to students in the area, including those linked to St Mary’s Parish .



---

Context: Aalo (Along) and Culture

About Aalo
Aalo, formerly known as Along, is the headquarters of West Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh. The town’s population is largely composed of Galo and Adi tribal communities, with Christianity being one of the prominent religions alongside traditional beliefs like Donyi-Polo .

Festivals & Cultural Life
Aalo is known for vibrant local festivals:

The Mopin Festival (early April) celebrates Galo heritage through traditional dances (like Popir), applying rice flour (Ette) as a symbol of purity, and offering food and drinks like Apung in community spirit .

The Yomgo River Festival is another major event showcasing local arts, handicrafts, and cultural vibrancy .



These cultural happenings often overlap with parish life, as church communities like St Mary’s may host, support, or participate in such events, fostering communal harmony.


---

Summary at a Glance

Aspect Details

Religious Institution St Mary’s Parish, Aalo (part of Itanagar Diocese)
Educational Institutions St Mary’s School (CBSE, SCC-managed) and SFS College (MSFS-run)
Community Role Provides education and hosts social welfare services (e.g., hostels)
Cultural Context Located in culturally rich Aalo; overlaps with festivals like Mopin and Yomgo