Dimapur, March 30 (EMN): The Vatican ambassador (Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal), Rev. Leopoldo Girelli concluded his visit to the Diocese of Kohima on March 29.
A statement from Bishop’s House, Kohima, that the bishop of Nagaland, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil has thanked the ambassador for his visit to Nagaland on the final day of his visit after the Holy Eucharist at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Chekiye village.
It stated that the ambassador had interacted with the Catholic community members from different walks of life in the various parishes namely Kohima Cathedral, St. Joseph parish in Chȕmoukedima, Holy Cross Parish in Dimapur, Mt. Carmel Parish, 4th Mile in Chekiye village etc., during his four days visit. He also interacted with the students at St. Joseph College (Autonomous), Jakhama, and was the guest of honour at the first convocation of St. Joseph University.
The bishop also thanked the Home department, government of Nagaland, especially the additional protocol officer Merebeni, the personal security officer (PSO) Mhashehu Tetseo, the drivers and escort team, staff and security at the airport, and the entire traffic police team.
The bishop also expressed gratitude to the Catholic Association of Nagaland under the leadership of its president, Johnny Ruangmei, and his colleagues, the Nagaland Catholic Women Association, Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement and the traditional escort team.
Meanwhile, the ambassador has expressed his happiness for having visited the vibrant and colorful churches, comprising different tribes with distinct traditions, customs and costumes. He encouraged the community to preserve and promote traditional indigenous wisdom and values and at the same time maintaining the unity and oneness as Nagas and members of the church.
“The church is for all people and the church fosters all genuine values which are expressions of the values of the Gospel taught by Jesus,” he said. He expressed his happiness in the way the church is growing and becoming agents of peace and development of the Naga people.
He also thanked everyone, the government and its various departments, the Bishop of Kohima, the various parish priests and parish communities, the various associations of the diocese who have made his maiden visit to the diocese of Kohima a memorable one.