Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 12 (EMN): R Rous Chasie was conferred the 1st Vikepelhu Lucas Meyase Memorial Award for his contributions and service to the Catholic community during a programme held on Saturday evening at St. Francis de Sales (SFS) parish in Kohima.
The award was instituted by Angami Catholic Union (ACYA) of St. Francis de Sales (SFS) in memory of late Vikepelhu Lucas Meyase in remembrance of his contribution to the growth and development of the laity and Catholic church.
Invoking God's blessings during the programme, Rev. Fr. Mhabemo Mathew Humtsoe, parish priest of SFS, described Meyase as a "great leader. Rev. Humtsoe stated that it was appropriate to honour Chasie for his outstanding leadership particularly among the Angami Catholic community and the society at large.
He prayed for God's blessings upon Chasie and his family, saying that the recipient is "our living leader."
Daughter of Lucas Meyase, Mary Meyase, while speaking on behalf of the family, stated that her father had concerns for the Nagas including his family, community as well as the church.
"I thank God for making him a good servant in the society," Mary said while acknowledging ACU SFS for organising the event to remember her dad.
Thehiechülie Louis Solo, president of ACU SFS, stated that they presented the first award to Chasie because of his leadership and dedication towards the Catholic communities in different places.
Solo added that the face Chasie was popular in church retreats, camps, seminars etc with his talks and as well as writings. He said Chasie has also translated many faith stories to Tenyiedie from English for which he was nominated to be awarded as the first recipient.
A cash award of INR 20,000 along with a citation from ACU SFS and gifts from Angami community including the youth, fathers and women's associations under the parish were handed over to Chasie on the occasion.
Also speaking on the occasion as the guest of honour, Nosazol Charles, president of Angami Catholic Union, stated that each person among the faithful is unique and special. Charles has lauded the organisers for conferring the award rightfully to Chasie.
In his acceptance speech, Chasie has described the occasion ‘happiness on one side and on other a feeling of loneliness’ as he had lost his close friend in whose name the award was conferred on him.
Chasie stated that it was an honour for him to receive the first memorial award not only at the parish-level but also from the diocese of Kohima.
He recounted how they formed St. Paul Evangelical Group consisting of four friends which included Meyase, to reach out to families in Kohima town to spread the teachings of Catholics through a printed work called "Immanuel" (God is with us) which was published through a typewriter.
Chasie also informed how a committee was set up to come up with a Catholic version of the Bible in Tenyidie, where Meyase was a member of the translation committee.
Songs were presented by ACYA (SFS) choir and Thejatshunuo Amelia Sekhose during the programme.