First Catholic Priest from Chang tribe ordained

In an ordainment ceremony, Rev. Fr. Hopong Chingmak Benjamin, the first Catholic Priest from Chang tribe, was ordained by Bishop of Kohima Rev. Dr. James Thoppil January 3 at St. Thomas Parish Tuensang Town.
During the introduction, Bishop James said that from now Hopong Chingmak Benjamin would be called Fr. Benjamin, assuming a new role and identity of a Catholic Priest and highlighted the role of a priest.
Parliamentary secretaries from the government of Meghalaya Celestine Lyngdoh and Kennedy Khyrien were special guests of honour.
Others who were present at the function included DC Tuensang, DIG 7 Sector Assam rifles, CO, 23 AR, ENPO president CKS president and office bearers, pastors of the various churches, many leaders from Chang tribe and Tuensang town, administrative, police personnel, communities from Tuensang, Pungro, Longleng,Tobu, Shamator, Meluri and representatives from all over Nagaland.
Parish Priest of St. Thomas Parish, Tuensang Rev. Fr. Johnson delivered welcome address to the congregation, Vicar General Diocese of Kohima Rev. Fr. Carolus Neisalhou presented the candidate.