DIMAPUR: Tenyidie version of the Lord’s Prayer was inaugurated and blessed at the historic 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 Angami people, 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, delivered the invocation. A keynote address was presented 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 address, Charles said the idea of installing the plaque was conceived during the ACU 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 pilgrims proposed that ACU constitute a committee to pursue the initiative. Consequently, 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 bond with the universal Christian community. He added that the inscription 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, for forwarding the petition to the relevant 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, for granting permission for the installation.
Charles further thanked the Carmelite Sisters of the Pater Noster Church, particularly Sr. Agathe, Prioress, and Sr. Anaywah, Secretary, for overseeing the installation despite the committee members being unable to be present in Jerusalem.
He also expressed appreciation to Rev. Fr. James Kulvi, SJ, for his persistent efforts in pursuing the matter during his stay in Jerusalem and for helping secure approval for the project. Charles further acknowledged the role of Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, whose sustained efforts and correspondence with the Apostolic Nuncio and the Carmelite Sisters helped bring the initiative to fruition.
The convenor also thanked Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, whom he described as the chief benefactor, for sponsoring the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He acknowledged the support extended by the State government and the Department of Minority Affairs.
Thanking ACU members and all those who contributed to the project, Charles said the plaque would remain open to visitors and the faithful wishing to recite the Lord’s Prayer in Tenyidie and seek God’s blessings.
He described the plaque as a lasting testament to the faith, linguistic heritage and identity of the Naga people and expressed hope that it 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 ACU. The gathering recited the Lord’s Prayer inscribed on the plaque and sang a hymn.
Earlier, Zelapranuo Rose Kire, general secretary of ACU, delivered the vote of thanks.
The programme was followed by a 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.
