Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma was among thousands of people who attended the funeral of legendary Khasi priest Fr Sylvanus Sngi Lyngdoh on May 30.
Father Sngi, 95, died two days earlier at Nazareth Hospital, Shillong, Meghalaya state capital.
Fr Sngi’s body was taken from Mawlai parish to Laitumkhrah Cathedral for Catholics coming from various parts of the northeastern state to pay their last tribute.
Archbishops Dominic Jala of Shillong and John Moolachira of Guwahati as well as Bishops Joseph Aind of Dibrugarh and Andrew Marak of Tura attended the funeral Mass and burial services. Priests from across northeastern region and hundreds of members of Salesian family and other religious congregations and students were also present.
Also present were Shillong Member of Parliament Vincent H Pala, government chief adviser D D Lapang along with other ministers and legislators, according to a press release.
North East social Organisation (NESO) chairperson Samuel B Jyrwa and leaders of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) paid floral tributes during the funeral.
People who have been “healed” through the prayer of Father Sylvanus besides those in wheelchairs were also seen.
In his speech at the funeral service, the chief minister recalled Fr Sngi’s contribution and hailed the priest as “a true demonstration of the love of God.” Stating that Fr Sylvanus was a multi- faceted personality, he said, “He has contributed so much to bring in right knowledge and enlightenment for the uplift of Khasi community.” He said he is sure that “God will continue to bless the society with many such sons of the soil” and hoped that others will emulate his life.
Pala claimed that he had received special blessing from Fr Sngi. “He blessed me before I contested and won for the second term from Shillong parliamentary constituency which I will remember and cherish throughout,” he added.
Stating that his contributions as a writer, a priest, a healer and a think- tank are immense, the parliamentarian said, “He has been a friend to the indigenous community.”
His passing away is indeed a great loss to us.”
While extending his condolences, Lapang recalled the contributions of Fr Sylvanus toward development of Ri Bhoi district. “He was instrumental in the demand for creation of Ri- Bhoi district besides development of education,” the former chief minister said.
Earlier, Fr Jose Vettath, director of Sacred Heart Theological College, said, “Fr Sylvanus was a legend, a gem and a gift to the Khasi society.” He recalled that even at the age of 95, Fr Sylvanus was involved in teaching theology in the college.
Fr Sngi, whose first name means ‘sun’ in Khasi had said that he often uses the Khasi worldview and concepts in explaining Christianity to tribal people. He was born in Bhoi on January 3, 1921.
He was ordained was ordained a priest in Italy by Salesian Bishop Michele Alberto Arduino on July 1, 1958.
Father Sngi wrote a Bible commentary in Khasi language.
He was known in the region as a healer, missioner, author, and political and social thinker.
He always wore a Khasi traditional turban and shawl.
He has also written two dictionaries Greek- Khasi and Aramaic- Khasi for local Bible students.
Father Sngi also taught theology at Sacred Heart College and unlike many elderly people was comfortable using his laptop to write the Bible commentary.