By Felix Anthony
Ziro, May 7, 2022: Itanagar diocese in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh May 7 ordained its first priest of indigenous origin
Bishop John Thomas of Itanagar ordained Father Roshan Bamin Peter, a member of the Apatani tribe, at Mary Immaculate Church, Hapoli, Ziro, his home parish in Lower Subansiri district.
Among those present was Emeritus Bishop Gabriel Kujur of Daltonganj.
“It is a proud moment for all of us in the diocese especially to the people of Apatani tribe,” Nani Yase Teresa, the president of Apatani Catholic Women Association of Itanagar diocese. “It will inspire many young people of all tribes to become priests and nuns,” she added.
Father Peter, the fourth of the six children of (Late) James Bamin Tabin and Monica Bamin Yabii, joined Itanagar diocese’s St. Patrick Minor Seminary, Naharlagun, after completing his schooling. He completed his philosophy in Salesian College, Dimapur, the commercial capital of Nagaland, and Theology in St. Joseph’s Seminary, Mangalore, southern India.
Many expressed their joy over the ordination of the first Apatani tribal priest.
“It is good to have a priestly ordination on the eve of the Vocation Sunday,” said Taw Tebin, the president of Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association. “It augurs well for the young Church in Arunachal Pradesh and particularly for Itanagar diocese,” he added.
The Apatani are a special tribal group living in the Ziro Valley in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. Unlike other tribes, they are a non-nomadic. and practice permanent wetland cultivation in hilly terrain by slicing the hills. According to the 2011 Census Arunachal had 43,777 Apatanis.
“It is a historic moment for the Catholic Church in Arunachal Pradesh. We pray for Father Roshan to help him spread the message of love, peace and kindness of the Lord to every corner of the world,” said Yamlam Kaha, a Church leader from Itanagar.
Father Peter now becomes the second tribal priest from Arunachal Pradesh. Father Francis Belo from Galo tribe was ordained in 2008 for the congregation of Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales.
God be praised always! Congratulations to Fr. Roshan! May the good God bless him abundantly in his Priestley ministry!
Wow, I am overjoyed. I visited Ziro in the nineties and was impressed by the Apathani culture and self-reliance. May they continue to be a great tribe.