Diocese of Kohima will celebrating its Golden Jubilee from October 27 to 29 at the Cathedral Kohima. Informing this at a press conference at the church premises, Bishop of Kohima & chief host, Most Rev Dr James Thoppil said it would be a celebration of the universality of the Catholic church.

He informed that the celebration would also be a time of renewal and rededication for the people to pursue peace and live in unity. Rev Thoppil said the Kohima Diocese was erected in 1973 for the two states including Nagaland and Manipur which therefore was called Kohima-Imphal diocese.

And in 1980, the two dioceses were separated and accordingly addressed with their respective names.
He said the purpose of the celebration was not so much of the socio-cultural or external celebration but an internal celebration.

The Bishop also shared about his plans to make the cathedral a pilgrimage centre, a place of prayer and also make it the Basilica of the Northeast region.
Answering to a query on the number of Catholics in the State, Rev Thoppil said there were an estimated 63,000 members.

He also informed that there were 57 parishes out of which 37 were full-fledged parishes while the rest were quasi parish. He also disclosed that there were 76 priests from Nagaland, 226 religious sisters.

President, Catholic Association of Nagaland, Johnny Ruangmei also addressed the press conference. Delegates and guests from abroad including US, Germany, Australia and Italy while other states in India would like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the NE States while all the dioceses would also be represented. Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio would be special guest and guest of honour during the cultural night on the second day of the celebration.

Source: Nagaland Post