History

Yupia is located at a distance of about 27 kms from Itanagar, the state capital of Arunachal Pradesh. Yupia is also the district headquarter of Papum Pare District of Arunachal Pradesh. In February 2002, Fr. Pendanath Dominic joined the Don Bosco School community of Itanagar with an independent charge to look after Doimukh mission, which then consisted of about 25 villages. In the beginning, Yupia was planned to be the centre of the mission. However, by the end of 2003 the plan was changed and it was decided that the Salesian community will be where the parish is viz., Doimukh. Doimukh is located at a distance of about 6kms from Yupia and about 40kms from Itanagar. Doimukh has been a stronghold of Donyipolysm and the birth place of Nyeder Nyamlo (an attempt to give organisational structure to Donyi Polo religion). Now some of its strong proponents are turning over to the Catholic church.

Some land was purchased at Yupia by Fr. Chemparathy Jose. The foundation was blessed on 18th March 2002 by Most. Rev. Thomas Menamparampil, SDB, the archbishop of Guwahati. On 31st August, 2002 the newly constructed house at Yupia was blessed by Rt. Rev. Robert Kerketta SDB, the Bishop of Tezpur. On 14th December 2002 Fr. Pendanath Dominc took up residence at Yupia. He stayed alone at the centre for a year.

On 31st August 2002, Rev. Robert Kerketta SDB, the Bishop of Tezpur, during his canonical visit announced the establishment of Doimukh Parish with Fr. Pendanath Dominc as its first parish priest. However, at that time all the parishes in West Arunachal Pradesh were considered only as mission centres and the resident priest as in-charge of the mission. It was only in 2005, that Rev. Robert Kerketta SDB,, announced that all the existing mission centres in west Arunachal Pradesh were raised to the status of a parish and all the in-charges at that time were declared Parish Priests. The name Infant Jesus Parish was given later. Prior to it, the parish was known as Midpu Catholic Church.

In February-March 2005, five acres of land was bought by Fr. Pendanath Dominic (P.T.) from Mr. Tana Tahin. Another two acres of land was bought from Mr. Taba Tagur in 2006. On May 15th 2006, Fr. Jonas Kerketta, the Vice-Provincial blessed the foundation for the Father’s residence. On 25th January 2007, foundation for the school building was blessed by Fr. Guria Nestor, the vice provincial. Presently a make shift hostel and temporary Father’s residence are there at the centre.

Today

Today the parish of Doimukh looks after 25 villages in the area. Programme for the intensive coaching of overaged children who have not gone to school is organized. Within a span of 2-3 years the children are trained in such a way that they are put in regular classes in the school according to their age. The centre also takes up social development programmes to enable the people of the area to develop themselves economically and socially.

Activities

Mission Centre, Pastoral Work and Evangelisation, Village Masses, Village Visists, Pastoral Services, Animation of Catechists, L.P. School, Boardings for boys and girls.

Address

Don Bosco Centre
P.B. 293, Naharlagun,
Papumpare Dt.– 791 110
ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Phone

9436041532