Dimapur: Deacon Peter Pehiachanglu was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Kohima on January 15 at St Peter’s Chruch, Nsong under SFS Parish, Tening, Peren District by Bishop James Thoppil of Kohima.
Deacon Peter dressed in the traditional Zeliang attire came in procession accompanied by the clan and family members. Community singing in traditional tunes led the procession.
The Bishop in his introduction said that Pehiachanglu will assume a new role and identity – the role and identity of a Catholic priest. In his Homily, the Bishop also explained the prophetic, pastoral and priestly role of a priest.
The felicitation programme witnessed congratulations by the SFS Parish Youth, Tening. Words of exhortation and encouragements were pronounced by Johny Raungmei, President Catholic Association of Nagaland.
Fr. Peter, the newly ordained priest thanked all in turn. Time was allotted for the well-wishers to felicitate the newly ordained personally and after which meal was served to all. A press release informed that Fr. Peter is the fourth son of thirteen siblings. Sr. Sharon the eldest sister of Rev. Fr. Peter acknowledged the presence of all on behalf of the family.
Rev. Fr. Dominic Kwettrangging, the Assistant Priest of St. Paul’s Church, Pungro anchored as the Master of Ceremony of the Ordination Rite and Sr. Rufina CMC was the commentator. Meanwhile Rev. Fr. Paul Panu, the Parish Priest, SFS, Tening accorded the words of welcome.
It was noted that the Diocese of Kohima now has 112 ordained Priests with Fr. Peter as the youngest priest in the diocese. He is the 5th Zeliang priest to be ordained from Nagaland.
https://morungexpress.com/first-catholic-priest-ordained-from-nsong