By Felix Anthony
Lazu, Oct 11, 2022: Miao diocese in Arunachal Pradesh has ordained its first priest of indigenous origin.
Salesian Bishop George Pallipparambil of Miao on October 11 ordained Father Vincent Rangwang, belonging to the Ollo tribe, at his home parish at Lazu in Tirap district
Auxiliary Bishop Dennis of Miao was present along with a large gathering of priests, women religious, friends and relatives from across east Arunachal Pradesh.
Congratulating Father Rangwang on becoming the first tribal priest of Miao diocese, Bishop Palliparambil said, “This indeed is a proud moment for the Ollo community and for everyone in the diocese. However, Father Vincent now belongs not just to the Ollo community but to the whole world.”
Father Rangwang has been ordained for the Congregation of Missionaries of Compassion (MOC), based in Aliabad, Hyderabad.
“Even though you have your strong tribal roots, now the whole world is your family. May you sanctify yourself daily to lead all the people to God,” the bishop told the new priest.
Father Rangwang, the eldest of the three children of Khopok and Pojen Rangwang from Sinnu village in Lazu Circle, joined the congregation in 2011, after completing his schooling in Khonsa, the district headquarter of Tirap. He later studied Philosophy and Theology at Holy Spirit Major Seminary, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh.
Many local leaders expressed joy over the ordination of a priest from Ollo tribe, one of the smallest tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
“It is a dream come true. As an Ollo tribe’s man, I feel overwhelmed with joy today. It is now like seeing the first fruit of our years of perseverance in faith,” said Azet Yangli Humtok, a senior Church leader in Tirap district.
Sethok Thinyan, a youth leader and post graduate from Lazu, too said the ordination was “indeed a joyful moment for all us from our small OIlo tribe. I am sure this will inspire many young people from our village to take up religious calling.”
According to a latest survey conducted in 2022, the total population of Ollo tribe is 11,665 and they mostly inhabit 12 villages under Lazu circle, the last administrative circle of Arunachal, which is 10 km from the Myanmar border.
Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association president Taw Tebin and the new president of Arunachal Christian Forum Tarh Miri Stephen, who were present at the ordination, congratulated the new priest and his parents.
“It is a historic moment for the Catholic Church in Arunachal Pradesh. We pray for Father Vincent Rangwang for God’s blessings to help him spread the message of love, peace and kindness of the Lord in every corner of the world,” the Catholic association president.
Father Rangwang now becomes the third Catholic priest from Arunachal Pradesh. Father Roshan Bamin Peter from Apatani tribe ordained in May and Father Francis Belo from Galo tribe ordained in 2008 are from Itanagar diocese in west Arunachal Pradesh.