Shillong,Oct 25: Pope Leo XIV recognised the heroic virtues of Italian Bishop Oreste Marengo, thereby making the latter the Venerable on October 24.
The Salesian Bishop died in Tura, West Garo Hills, after serving in Garo Hills and the rest of the Northeast.
In the Catholic Church, Venerable is the second step towards the last phase of Sainthood (Canonisation), the first being Servant of God.
The third is Blessed (Beatification) before achieving Sainthood.
Marengo had served as the first Bishop of Dibrugarh diocese in 1951, Bishop of Tezpur from 1964 and was subsequently appointed Apostolic Administrator of Tura till he relinquished the post at the age of 70.
He died on July 30, 1998 and was laid to rest in Tura.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma remembered the contribution of the missionary.
“The declaration of Bishop Oreste Marengo as Venerable by the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV is a moment of pride and honour for Garo Hills and the entire Northeast. An Italian-born Salesian missionary, Bishop Marengo devoted more than five decades of his life to serving the people of Northeast India, with a special and enduring commitment to the Garo community. His life was a testament to faith, compassion and selfless service. He remained dedicated to the people of Garo Hills until his passing in Tura, where he was laid to rest. His life reflects the invaluable contributions of missionaries across India in education, healthcare and community development. His enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations”, the chief minister said.
According to Vatican News, others declared the Venerables by the Vatican on the same day are missionary bishop, Friedrich Kaiser Depel, diocesan priests Domenico Pogliani and Alessandro Vitetti, Capuchin friar Daniele of San Giovanni Rotondo and consecrated laywoman of Focolare Movement Margarita Bavosi
