Chizokho Vero
October 25
Kohima (MExN): Thousands’ of people today flocked the Cathedral Church, Kohima and accorded warm welcome to His Excellency Most Reverend Pedro Lopez Quantana, the Apostolic Nuncio and Vatican Ambassador to India who arrived from Imphal Monday.
The historic visit marked the conclusion of the Holy Eucharistic year of the Catholic Church and the silver jubilee celebration of Mount Tabor Retreat House. At the cultural get-together function held at the Cathedral Church in the presence of Rt. Reverend Jose Mukala, Bishop of Nagaland, Governor Shyamal Datta and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the Ambassador appreciated the unity among the youths as ‘reflected through cultural songs and dances’ and made a fervent appeal to them to maintain peace and harmony.
”Build peace in our hearts and communicate peace to others” he exhorted saying that prayer and reconciliation was required. Asking the people to build “our friendship with Christ” the Ambassador also urged the Catholic Church to work towards a peaceful Nagaland.
Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta also lauded the efforts of Catholic institutions for its excellent academic performance contributing to the State’s education level. ”It was possible through the sincerity, dedication and commitment of the fathers, sisters and faculty, for taking good care of our children” he said. He was also all praise for the church’s role in fighting HIV/AIDS, Drugs and other areas that have afflicted the society.
“We in Nagaland, as Christians, look for God for peace in the state,“ said Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio speaking at the occasion, asserting that external peace alone was not enough. “Man should be at peace with himself. The inner peace that comes from God will lead to just and durable peace” Rio.
“The Diocese of Kohima and other Catholic Churches have a tradition of supporting peace processes in the state,“ Rio said adding that the visit of the Vatican Ambassador “ will surely strengthen the edifice of peace that this government is yearning to build.” He also appealed to the Ambassador to convey the affection of the Nagas to the Pope, authorities and citizens of the Vatican.
