The Tenyidie version of the Lord’s Prayer was unveiled and blessed at the 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 Tenyimia community-was installed through the initiative of the Pater Noster Committee of the Angami Catholic Union (ACU).
The idea took root during the ACU’s Holy Land pilgrimage in October 2018, when members visited the church. After a thanksgiving Mass at the cathedral in Kohima on November 7 that year, the pilgrimage team requested the ACU to constitute a committee to pursue the initiative. The Pater Noster Committee was formally formed at the ACU Central Executive Committee meeting on December 8, 2018.
Nosazol Charles, convenor of the committee, delivered the keynote address at the unveiling. He paid tribute to late Sousahie Philip Dzüvichü of Kohima Village, the first Angami catechist and the first ACU president, 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 connection with the universal Christian community, serving as a reminder that God’s Word speaks to people in their own languages.
Charles credited Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India, for forwarding the petition to authorities in Jerusalem after his visit to Nagaland in March 2022. He also thanked the French Consulate General in Jerusalem and Rev. Fr. Luc Pareydt, SJ, then adviser for religious affairs, for granting permission for the installation.
He appreciated the Carmelite Sisters at the church, particularly prioress Sr. Agathe and secretary Sr. Anaywah, for carrying out the installation even though committee members could not be physically present in Jerusalem. He also acknowledged Rev. Fr. James Kulvi, SJ, for following up on the matter and helping secure approval.
Charles recognised the sustained efforts of the Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, whose correspondence with the Apostolic Nuncio and the Carmelite Sisters helped bring the initiative to fruition. He expressed gratitude to Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, described as the chief benefactor, for sponsoring the pilgrimage, along with the state government and the Department of Minority Affairs.
Calling the plaque a lasting testament to the faith, linguistic heritage and identity of the Naga people, Charles expressed hope that it would inspire future generations to preserve their cultural heritage and live by the teachings of Jesus Christ. He said it would remain open to visitors and faithful wishing to recite the prayer in their mother tongue.
The plaque was inaugurated by ACU president Dr. Seyiekhrietuo John, after which the gathering recited the prayer and sang a hymn. The programme was chaired by Neivikuolie Nicholas, with the invocation by Sister Rita Tekoneinuo Miasalhou, SCCG, and the blessing by Rev. Fr. Dr. Keduolhou George, principal of St. Joseph College (Autonomous), Jakhama. Zelapranuo Rose Kire, ACU general secretary, proposed the vote of thanks. The event concluded with Holy Mass at the Pater Noster Chapel, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Dr. Vilasal Godfrey Thapo, director of the Global Holistic Health Centre, Jalukie.
Original Source: https://eastmojo.com/nagaland/2026/10/26/nagaland-tenyidie-version-of-lords-prayer-unveiled-in-jerusalem/
Category: Free Digest,Nagaland,News,Northeast News
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-10-26 09:25:00
