Dignitaries during unveiling of the Tenyidie version of Lord’s Prayer at Jerusalem’s Pater Noster Church on October 24.
Kohima, October 25 (MExN): The Tenyidie version of the Lord’s Prayer was inaugurated and blessed at the Pater Noster Church on Mount of Olives in Jerusalem on October 24, marking a significant moment for the Angami Catholic community of Nagaland.
The plaque bearing the prayer in Tenyidie, the language of the Angami community, was installed through the initiative of the Pater Noster Committee of the Angami Catholic Union (ACU). The inaugural programme was chaired by Neivikuolie Nicholas, while Sister Rita Tekoneinuo Miasalhou, SCCG, pronounced the invocation.
Keynote address was delivered by Nosazol Charles, convenor of the Pater Noster Committee, and the plaque was blessed by Rev. Fr. Dr. Keduolhou George, principal of St. Joseph College (Autonomous), Jakhama. In his keynote address, Charles said the idea of installing the plaque was conceived during the Angami Catholic Union’s Holy Land pilgrimage in October 2018, when members visited the Pater Noster Church.
Following a Thanksgiving Mass at the Cathedral in Kohima on November 7, 2018, the pilgrimage team decided to request the ACU to constitute a committee to pursue the initiative. Accordingly, the Pater Noster Committee was formed during the ACU Central Executive Committee meeting on December 8, 2018.
Charles acknowledged the contribution of late Sousahie Philip Dzüvichü of Kohima Village, the first Angami catechist and first president of ACU, who translated the Lord’s Prayer into Tenyidie. Describing the plaque as more than an inscription, Charles said it symbolised faith in Jesus Christ, pride in the mother tongue and a connection with the universal Christian community.
He added that having the prayer inscribed in Tenyidie was a reminder that God’s Word speaks to people in their own languages. He expressed gratitude to Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Vatican Ambassador to India, for forwarding the petition to the concerned authorities in Jerusalem following his visit to Nagaland in March 2022.
He also acknowledged the support of the French Consulate General in Jerusalem and Rev. Fr. Luc Pareydt, SJ, then adviser for religious affairs, for granting permission for the installation. Charles also expressed gratitude to the Carmelite Sisters at Pater Noster Church, particularly Sr. Agathe, Prioress, and Sr. Anaywah, Secretary, for taking responsibility for installing the plaque despite the committee members not being physically present in Jerusalem to supervise the work.
Charles further expressed gratitude to Rev. Fr. James Kulvi, SJ, for diligently following up on the matter during his time in Jerusalem, presenting the background of the Angami Catholic Union and ultimately securing approval for the installation. He also acknowledged the significant role of the Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, whose sustained efforts and correspondence with the Apostolic Nuncio and the Carmelite Sisters at Pater Noster Church helped bring the initiative to fruition.
Further, he expressed gratitude to Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, whom he described as the chief benefactor, for sponsoring the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and acknowledged the support of the state government and the Department of Minority Affairs.
Charles thanked all ACU members for their prayers and support, as well as those present at the historic occasion, for their contributions towards installing the plaque bearing the Lord’s Prayer in Tenyidie. He said the plaque would be open to all visitors and faithful wishing to recite the Lord’s Prayer in their mother tongue and seek the blessings of Almighty God.
Describing the plaque as a lasting testament to the faith, linguistic heritage and identity of the Naga people, Charles expressed hope that it would inspire future generations to uphold their cultural heritage and live by the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Seyiekhrietuo John, president of the Angami Catholic Union, inaugurated the plaque. The gathering recitated the Lord’s Prayer inscribed on it and sung a hymn. Zelapranuo Rose Kire, general secretary of ACU, delivered the vote of thanks.
The programme was followed by Holy Mass at the Pater Noster Chapel, with Rev. Fr. Dr. Vilasal Godfrey Thapo, director of the Global Holistic Health Centre, Jalukie, as the main celebrant.
