Kohima: The Tenyidie version of the Lord’s Prayer was unveiled and blessed at the Pater Noster Church on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem on October 24, marking a significant milestone for the Angami Catholic community of Nagaland.
The plaque bearing the prayer in Tenyidie, the language of the Tenyimia community, was installed through the initiative of the Pater Noster Committee of the Angami Catholic Union (ACU).
The programme was chaired by Neivikuolie Nicholas, while Sister Rita Tekoneinuo Miasalhou, SCCG, delivered the invocation. Nosazol Charles, convenor of the Pater Noster Committee, delivered the keynote address, and Rev. Fr. Dr. Keduolhou George, principal of St. Joseph College (Autonomous), Jakhama, blessed the plaque.
In his address, Charles said the idea of installing the plaque was conceived during the ACU’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.
The Pater Noster Committee was subsequently 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 the first president of the 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 served as 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.
Charles 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 plaque’s installation.
He thanked the Carmelite Sisters at the Pater Noster Church, particularly Sr. Agathe, prioress, and Sr. Anaywah, secretary, for taking responsibility for the installation despite the committee members being unable to be physically present in Jerusalem to supervise the work.
He further acknowledged Rev. Fr. James Kulvi, SJ, for following up on the matter during his time in Jerusalem, presenting the background of the ACU and helping secure approval for the installation.
Charles also recognised the 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 the Pater Noster Church helped bring the initiative to fruition.
He expressed gratitude to Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, whom he described as the chief benefactor, for sponsoring the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He also acknowledged the support of the state government and the Department of Minority Affairs.
Thanking ACU members for their prayers and support, Charles also expressed appreciation to all those who contributed to the installation of the plaque.
He said the plaque would be open to visitors and faithful wishing to recite the Lord’s Prayer in their mother tongue and seek the blessings of Almighty God.
Describing it as a lasting testament to the faith, linguistic heritage and identity of the Naga people, Charles expressed hope that the plaque would inspire future generations to preserve their cultural heritage and live by the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The plaque was inaugurated by Dr. Seyiekhrietuo John, president of the ACU. The gathering then recited the Lord’s Prayer inscribed on the plaque and sang a hymn.
Zelapranuo Rose Kire, general secretary of the ACU, delivered the vote of thanks.
The programme concluded with 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.
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