Mokokchung, November 12 (MExN): Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima diocese officially read out the decree of erection of St. Andrew’s Centre, Mangkolemba and appointment of Rev. Fr. Kurian Pattimakal, MSFS as the first Centre In-Charge on November 11. The centre is entrusted to the missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) fathers, informed a press release from Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Bishop’s Secretary, Kohima.
Nymbo Konyak, EAC, Mangkolemba, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel M.T., Provincial delegate, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel, Rector of St. Patrick Seminary, Nagaon, Assam, many Fathers and Sisters, village leaders, parents, the catholic community, were present for the function.
Fr. James Mlakuzyil, Parish Priest, Queen Mary Parish, Mokokchung gave a glimpse of the history of the centre. He said that St. Andrew’s School began in 1987 by retired engineer Ashikho Mao. It grew steadily but could not proceed beyond class VIII due to various adverse factors and finally it ceased to exist in 2012. Still Ashikho along with the village elders pursued to continue the school and offered all assistance to the diocese of Kohima to take it over. In 2013, the school restarted and now it has been taken over by the diocese, it was stated.
Nymbo Konyak recalled her own days in a Catholic school and the values it imparted with which she lives her life. The people of Mangkolemba are lucky, she said, to have a new centre of the Catholic Church and the people of the three ranges, namely, Changkikong, Japukong and Tsurangkong will benefit in the future. While promising all out support for the centre from the administration, she urged the leaders and people to help and support the centre in every possible way. She also thanked Fr. Kurian for his willingness to come and stay in such a remote place devoid all any modern facilities.
Meanwhile, the Bishop thanked the MSFS congregation for coming forward to work at the centre and thanked Fr. Kurian, a veteran missionary who has spent over 45 years in Nagaland and Manipur, for his willingness to be a pioneer again. He reiterated that the Catholic Church is at the service of the people and now it has come to Mangkolemba not for profit. Instead the Church has to invest huge amount here to make it viable, he pointed out. He also acknowledged that the real wealth of the Church is the commitment of the priests and sisters who work tirelessly for the development of any centre where they are sent. He urged the people to consider Fr. Kurian as one of their own and treat the school and centre as their own. Expressing happiness that many leaders and officials in Nagaland are product of Catholic Schools, he however lamented that often they have failed to live by the values imparted in the school, which is evident from the pathetic road conditions that exist in Nagaland. He hoped that there will be a turnaround in the future and Catholic Church will be able to make a difference in Nagaland by forming and educating people of conviction and values. He also remembered and thanked engineer Ashikho who had put in great effort for the establishment of the centre.
Some leaders of the area also spoke on the occasion and assured help and support, while expressing happiness at the erection of the new centre.
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