Milestones

The term ‘Cathedra’ in Latin means chair and Cathedral is the church where the Bishop of a Diocese resides. St. Mary’s Cathedral is the principal church of the Diocese of Kohima where most of the important events concerning the Diocese take place. 

Timeline

Some of the noteworthy events that have taken place at the Cathedral Church are:

  • 24 May, 1985

    Foundation stone of the Cathedral blessed and laid by Rt. Rev. Abraham Alangimattathil, sdb, Bishop of Kohima.

  • 01 February, 1986

    Actual construction of the Cathedral commenced.       

  • 24 May, 1989

    Erection of St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish by Rt. Rev. Abraham  Alangimattathil, Bishop of Kohima just days to prior to the Centenary Celebration of the Catholic Faith to North East India. Fr. Jose Mukala installed as the 1st Parish Priest.                                            

  • 17 December, 1989

    First Naga Priests, Fr. Neisalhou Carolus Kuotsu and Fr. Abraham Mhonchan Yanthan ordained.  

  • 01 April, 1991

    1. Completion and dedication of the Cathedral.
    2. Reconciliation between the British and Japanese war veterans when they shook hands embraced each other and promised peace to one another in the Cathedral Church.                   

  • 1992

    Establishment of St Mary’s Cathedral School at Lerie by Fr.O.C.Abraham, Parish Priest.

  • 11 July, 1996

    Resignation of Rt. Rev Abraham Alangimattathil as the Bishop of Kohima due to ill health and subsequent election of Rt. Rev. Jose Mukala, the then Vicar General of the Diocese, as the Administrator of Kohima Diocese by the Diocesan Consultors.                                    

  • 09 December, 1997

    The Vatican announced the name of Fr. Jose Mukala as the Bishop - Elect of the Diocese of Kohima.               

  • 18 November, 1997

    Death of Bishop Abraham Alangimattathil, sdb, after nearly 24 years of “loving service to God and Man” and burial of his mortal remains at the sanctuary of the Cathedral. 

  • 1998

    Episcopal Ordination Rt. Rev. Jose Mukala as the next and second Bishop of Kohima Diocese.

  • 31 December, 2002

    Bishop’s residence shifted from Dimapur to the Cathedral Premises at Kohima.

  • 25 October, 2005

    Most Rev. Pedro Lopez Quintana Apostolic Nuncio to India visits Kohima.     

  • 30 October, 2009

    1. Bishop Jose Mukala resigns as the Bishop of Kohima on health Ground.
    2. Appointment of Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, Arhbishop of Imphal as the Apostolic Administrator of Kohima Diocese.                          

  • 01 January, 2009

    Silver Jubilee Celebration of CACWA, Cathedral Parish unit.                               

  • 14 January, 2011 to 16 January, 2011

    The 19th Convention of Angami Catholic Women Association held at Cathedral Church.    

  • 16 June, 2011

    Announcement of the election of Rev. Fr. James Thoppil as the next and 3rd Bishop of Kohima by the Vatican

  • 08 September, 2011

    Episcopal ordination of Rt. Rev. James Thoppil as the 3rd Bishop of Kohima Diocese by His Excellency, Most Rev. Salvatore Pennacchio, Apostolic Nuncio and the Vatican Ambassador to India.                                               

  • 22 October, 2012 to 24 October, 2012

    Youth Fest held under the initiative of Jesus Youth Team of the Diocese of Kohima.

  • 14 October, 2012

    Silver Jubilee Celebration of Kohima Town Region Angami Catholic Women Association with the theme ’Why do you call me good?’ (Mark 10:18) with Rev. Fr. Neisalhou Carolus Kuotsu as the main celebrant.

  • 25 May, 2014

    Silver Jubilee Celebration of Mary Help of Christians, Cathedral Parish

  • 2014

    Convention on Angami Catholic Youth Association (ACYA)

  • 2014

    Silver Jubilee Celebration of Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM)

  • 2014

    Silver Jubilee Celebration of Junior Catholic Youth Association (JCYA)

  • 27 October, 2023 to 29 October, 2023

    Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Diocese of Kohima