About
The Mary Help of Christians, Cathedral Parish was officially inaugurated on December 14, 1989, by Lt. Bishop Abraham Alangimattathil. This event marked the beginning of the Centenary Celebration of the Catholic Church in North East India. With the formation of the new parish, several areas such as New Ministers’ Hill, Old Ministers’ Hill, Dzűvűrű, AG Colony, Lerie, NST Garage, New Police Reserve, PWD, Chandmari, Agi Colony, Forest Colony, PR Hill, Para-Medical, Kohima Science College, and the Western Angami region, which were previously under the Christ King Parish of Kohima, were included in the newly formed parish.
What began as a small community of a few families has grown into a vibrant and diverse parish over the years. The St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish has become representative of the universal Church with members from various ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. These include the Angami, Mao, Poumai, Lotha, Rengma, Sema, Zeliangrong, Chakhesang, and other Naga tribes, as well as Malayalee, Tamil, and Adivasi communities. Among the members, the majority are from the Angami tribe, followed by the Mao community. The parish stands as a testament to the spirit of unity and inclusivity within the Catholic Church in this region.
The Mary Help of Christians Cathedral Parish today covers Kohima Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church in AG Colony, and St. Chong Hasang Church in Jotsoma.
Mission
The parishioners are disciples of Jesus Christ in the Roman Catholic Church who are centered on the Most Holy Eucharist, and are committed to know, love and serve God and neighbours.
Parish Priest Message
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). These words of Jesus invite us to seek solace and comfort in His presence. The Cathedral of Kohima is a revered pilgrimage site, where all are welcomed to experience the beauty and serenity of this sacred place. As a place of worship and reflection, the Cathedral offers a peaceful oasis in the midst of life’s busy schedules, hassles and challenges. Undoubtedly it offers peace, hope, faith, vision and conviction to realigned one’s life to greater meaning of life. Therefore, we invite you to visit the Cathedral of Kohima, to pray, reflect, and seek guidance to a new horizon of God’s abundant grace.