Governor La Ganesan, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Papal Representative, Msgr Juan Pablo Cerillos Hernandez and others during the inaugural of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Catholic Church in Kohima on October 28. (Morung Photo)
Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Catholic Church in Nagaland begins
Morung Express News
Kohima | October 28
"The coming of the Catholic Church to Nagaland has had a huge positive impact on the state and its contributions extend far beyond mere spirituality, reaching into the very fabric of our society,” stated Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan on Saturday evening at the Golden Jubilee Hall, Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Kohima.
He was addressing the Cultural Night held as part of Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Catholic Church in Nagaland under the Diocese of Kohima where he also noted that the "Diocese of Kohima occupies a unique and a significant place in the story of Nagaland."
With a strong commitment to educational upliftment, cultural development, social enrichment and economic enhancement, Ganesan said that over the years, the Diocese "has served as a beacon of hope and an anchor of stability in the Naga community."
"One of the noted achievements of the church was encouraging them to give up conflicts and leading them to national integration,” he said.
Further stating that the Diocese of Kohima is much more than a religious institution, he stated: "It is an embodiment of faith, enlightenment, and development."
The Governor also asserted that one of the greatest and most tangible, most appreciated and benefited ministry carried out by the Church is in the field of education while terming it as a landmark achievement as it is also a powerful tool for human development.
"The institutions established by the Diocese have been instrumental in moulding countless young minds, shaping the ethical frameworks of our leaders, and inspiring a consciousness of duty and commitment amongst our citizens,” he added.
The Governor further commended the Catholic Church for playing a crucial role in "the national integration and unity among all peoples, among all tribes and religions" while stating its educational ministry has succeeded in enlarging the mindset and acceptance of diversity without compromising unity.
Acknowledging the Diocese of Kohima for the road it has paved for the future ahead, he extended his congratulations to the entire society for their remarkable dedication.
He also expressed hope that the Diocese would "continue in its commitment of service, fostering a society rooted with the virtues of love, peace and harmony."
Christianity has taken Naga Society to new era: CM Rio
Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio said that the advent and acceptance of Christianity was a turning point in the life of the Nagas and maintained that it took the Naga society to a “new era of spiritual and material growth, progress and identity."
Extending his jubilee greetings, he said that the Catholic Church has played a great role in shaping of moral standards and social cohesion of the Naga society through its ‘catholic faith, and through its other social, cultural and developmental activities.’
"The Government of Nagaland gratefully acknowledges the services rendered by the Catholic Church to the people of Nagaland,” he said, while expressing that the strong belief and efforts of the Catholic Church for brotherhood, unity, and common good for all human beings are indeed noble goals and should be upheld and practiced by all.
Rio also observed that "we are thoroughly divided", and in this regard, asserted that "we need unity and only Christ and the Church platform can bring us together.”
"Let us also re- examine our relationships; let us write-off whatever is useless, or burdening us in our relationships, so that we can move together forward in the service of mankind. Above all, let us give thanks to the Almighty God for having led us this far,” he exhorted.
Permeating values and principles of Jesus
Stating that "Christianity gave a new identity, unity, a new relationship and vision of life to the people of Nagaland and to the entire Northeast India", Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev Dr James Thoppil remarked that, "Our jubilee celebration must spur the members of the Church with missionary zeal and the Church has to project itself as the Church of the Gospel to work for justice and promote peace; to be a small candle, little of salt and a bit of leaven to give light, to preserve and give taste and to permeate the Naga society with values and principles of Jesus."
As the Diocese of Kohima (Catholic Church) celebrates its golden jubilee, he exuded hope that "like the jubilee celebration of the people of Israel, from whom the Christians take the tradition of celebrating jubilees, it will be an occasion for retrospection, reconciliation, restitution and renewal."
“Jubilee,” he said, "was an occasion of blessing for the people of Israel and a time to sanctify themselves and to be restored to the integrity of life and communion with God."
Also noting that the Catholic Church in Nagaland has grown in many ways, he informed that there are around 63,000 catholic population served by 36 Parishes and several other centres.
Rev Dr Thoppil also stated that Catholic Church came to Nagaland to stay and serve the people and further affirmed: “We shall do it with utmost commitment and dedication".
Another important contribution of the Church, he articulated, "has been its role in the preservation and promotion of local culture and tradition."
As a landmark of Kohima, the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians is an attempt to integrate and blend the Naga cultural element with Christian faith and symbols, the Bishop of Kohima said.
He also exuded hope that, "one day it will become a national pilgrim centre, where universality of the Church is proclaimed and lived."
Bringing greetings, Papal Representative, Msgr Juan Pablo Cerillos Hernandez said the theme of the Golden Jubilee, "For Christ and His Church" is very apt while putting across that each church is to go forth and preach the gospel to all.
He said that the joy of the gospel is for all and stated happiness to learn that priests, religious, and laymen are working together while stating appreciation for the civil authority and the public.
"Let us continue to work together for peace, respecting the dignity of everybody. May Mary Help of Christians, the patronage of your Diocese continue to intercede for you towards the path of the Lord and new life,” he added.
US Consul General, Kolkata, Melinda M Pavek also brought greetings on behalf of the US Government and noted that the United States has historic ties to Nagaland and its people and recalled how the American Baptist missionaries, 150 years ago, brought the Christian faith to the State.
"Those missionaries were dedicated to not only teaching their faith but also providing access to education, which helped build the foundation of learning that continues today, “she said.
Stating her belief that a diverse and inclusive environment will drive societal progress and make people's lives healthier, safer, more secure, and more prosperous, Pavek urged: "Let us all join together, across cultures and faiths, and renew our commitment to creating a more equal, more just, more tolerant, and more compassionate world."
Auxiliary Bishop, Münster, Germany, Most Rev Dr Stefan Zekorn remarked that the Catholic Church is a universal church spanning kilometres and making this community alive. He also wished the gathering for a future full of faith, building the kingdom of God in Nagaland.
