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A brief History of St. Peter’s Church Kiphire Town

Opinion | Articles | Benjamin Chang | 10-Jul-2022

A brief History of St. Peter’s Church Kiphire Town

 

St. Peter Church marked its beginning on 18th Jan. 1972 with the visit of Late Rev. Fr. Castelino S.J and Late Rev. Fr. Edwin Goveas S.J, and later when Fr. Castelino S.J settled down here on 16th Feb 1972. A month later he was joined by a group of sisters, namely Sr. Blessilia, Sr. Celine Martin and Sr. Sibia who replaced Sr. Celine after some months. Fr. P.C. Mani and Fr. T.J. Chacko, who had already toured this area, had noted in the Tuensang Parish Chronicle that Kiphire area was a very fertile land for our Catholic Mission. Not only the public leaders but even the Civil Administration was very keen to have a Catholic Mission at Kiphire.

The Mission work at Kiphire dates back to 1968, through the instrumentality of Fathers stationed at Tuensang Town. The Church had its first members when Mr. Kirimong from Salomi Village (on 9th June 1968) and Mr. John Yesong Sangtam (on 15th Dec 1968) were baptized by Rt. Rev. Hubert Rosario at Dibrugarh in 1968.

Rev. Fr. Miranda who made a Missionary tour of the area, on reaching Phelungre on 7th Jan 1969, was very hopeful of a bright future as he witnessed a grant reception by the villagers, to whom he preached at the Baptist Church. The village had 152 families of which only 12 families were Baptist Christians. Continuing his visits to Anatongre, he reached Kiphire on 9th Jan 1969. He was encouraged by the receptive and open heartedness of the people. However two years later leaving responsibility to Fr. T.J. Chacko he left the place on transfer.

Rev. Fr. T.J. Chacko accompanied by Mr. Tsüpesu Sangtam, made his maiden tour visiting Kiphire, Langkok, Singrep, Amahator, Changchor, Risethsi, Sikiur, Phelungre and Anatongre. He also addressed a meeting of all GBs and DBs at Kiphire Town, arranged by SDO of Kiphire Town Mr. Imkong Jamir Ao. His further visits were to Thonoknyu, Chilliso, Thoktsüh, Panso and Sanglao, where he was assisted by Mr. Yanchumong, the then R.C.M. He also made his visits accompanied by Mr. Joseph Kirimong. Rev. Fr. P.C. Mani, the then Parish Priest of Tuensang also made some impact by his pastoral visits to Kiphire areas. Rev. Fr. T.J. Chacko, in his fourth tour of Kiphire area from 2ndto 17th December 1969, he visited Kiphire Town, Kiphire village, Langkok Village, Singrep Village, Amahator Village, Changchor Village, Risethsi Village, Yingshikur Village, Phelungre Village and Anatongre Village.

Hence, when Fr. Castelino S.J visited Kiphire in December 1971, he was given a very warm welcome by Mr. I. K. Changkija, who was the Civil S.D.O. Kiphire at that time. He had earlier invited Lt. Fr. Edwin Goveas to visit the place also. He was very happy to receive the Missionary Priest and immediately arranged a meeting with all the public leaders of the area to discuss about the prospects of starting a Catholic Mission at Kiphire. The primary intention of the leaders was to seek help for opening a Catholic school for the people of the area. But the fathers told them that, as priests, they were primarily missionaries who had come to preach the Good News of the Gospel, though they would be ready to extend their services in the field of social up-liftment in whatever way they could, including education. Fr. Castelino S.J also felt the urgent need to lift up the people of the area through the Mission of Catholic Education. All those who were present at the meeting expressed their satisfaction at what was being shared and expressed their willingness to cooperate with the Catholic Missionaries.

The Civil S.D.O assured Fr. Castelino S.J that he would allot sufficient land, free of cost, for opening a Catholic Mission Centre at Kiphire Town. But all insisted that the school should be first opened at the beginning of the very next academic year and offered all possible help for this purpose. They agreed to place the area of Council Hall in Kiphire at the disposal for class rooms and also provide sufficient accommodation for the staff until the fathers were able to shift to our own buildings at the proposed site within a couple of years. After the fathers felt that the arrangements they proposed to make were satisfactory, they agreed to open the Catholic Mission Centre at Kiphire in February 1972.

With a sincere desire to uplift the people of Kiphire subdivision the Catholic Mission opened an English Medium School, with 15 children through the instrumentality of Rev. Fr. Castelino S.J. on 16th March 1972, at the Council Hall, Kiphire Town. The School was inaugurated by S.C. Deb, the then Commissioner of Nagaland in the presence of students, parents and well-wishers. The school has taken its motto as 'Ad Majoram Dei Gloriam' (For the Greater Glory of God). Two sisters namely Sr. Blessilia SABS and Sr. Celine Martin SABS were brought from St. John's Tuensang. Sr. Celine Martin SABS went back to Tuensang and Sr. Sibia SABS joined the school after a semester. Due to the lack of accommodation the sisters went back to Tuensang at the end of 1972.

The formal opening of Loyola School at Kiphire took place on 16th March 1972, with two teachers on the staff for the two K.G. Classes, namely Mr. Jacob (from Kerala) and Miss. Jamila (from Tuensang). They were soon replaced by Mr. Thomas Menezes and Sr. Blessilia SABS and Sr. Sibia SABS from St. John's School, Tuensang. Rev. Fr. Castelino S.J could not continue staying at Kiphire due to the untimely death of Rev. Fr. Edwin Goveas S.J, the then, Parish Priest of Tuensang Mission. At the death of Rev. Fr. Edwin Goveas on 14thFeb. 1973 at Tuensang Town, Fr. Castilino went back and took his place at Tuensang Town and continued his efforts visiting Kiphire time and again, until Rev. Fr. Devassy Pudussery replaced him as the Parish Priest of Tuensang.

On 5th August 1974, Rev. Fr. Devasssy made his visit to the area along with Rev. Fr. Mathew Keemattam (the then Assistant Parish Priest) who was later entrusted with the Catholic Mission at Kiphire area. He started his mission work by interacting with all the local people. He held a meeting on 18thDec 1974 with all the GBs and DBs of Kiphire Town. The Church started with the Baptism of Mr. Francis Yangtsakiu of Longthonger Village during the midnight mass on 24th Dec 1974 at Phelungre Village. The Church at Kiphire Town flourished under the dynamic leadership of Rev. Fr. Mathew Keemattam. The first Catholic Community was formed at Phelungre Village with the initiative of Lt. John Yesong, who was assisted by Mr. S.K. James Sangtam. On that day 30 people from Phelungre Village, including 7 young boys from Chomi village (Present Phuvkiu), were received and Baptized by Rt. Rev. Abraham Alangimattathil on 7th May 1975.

The pioneering works of the missionaries are praise worthy. The fathers and sisters took up great challenges and risks in promoting the Catholic Faith. The inclement weather, the opposition and spreading false notions about the Catholic Faith by the Early Baptist Brethrens, lack of communication facilities, the Spirit of Naga Nationalism and hatred for the Indians, etc. were some of them to be mentioned. The first Indo-Naga war took place in Tuensang Area. Almost every household had NNC members fighting with the Indian Armies. Anything that was associated with India was resisted by the local people. Yet in all this circumstances the Catholic missionaries stood firm and steady on the rock of Christ. The pioneering work of fathers such as Lt. Rev. Fr. Castelino SJ, Lt. Rev. Fr. L. Miranda, Lt. Rev. Fr. T.J. Chacko, Lt. Rev. Fr. Mathew Keemattam, Rev. Fr. Mathew Thuniampral, Rev. Fr. James Mlakuzhiyil, Rev. Fr. George Parackal, Rev. Fr. Abraham Lotha, Rev. Fr. Solomon Vizo, Rev. Fr. Thomas Muttathil, Rev. Fr. PJ. Thomas, Rev. Fr. Alex Vizo and Rev. Fr. Benny Edathattel, and the dedicated services of sisters such as Sr. Blessilia, Sr. Celine Martin, Sr. Sibia, Sr. Little Mary, Sr. Annie Ottalanka, Sr. Celine Konnoor, Sr. Rosily, Sr. Mary Varanath, Sr. Elsit, Sr. Angelina, Sr. Maria Teresa, Sr. Tessy. K, Sr. Mercitta Kunnel etc. are to be mentioned in particular. Their missionary spirit and work brought a vitality and new vigour to the evangelization work in this remote area.

Late Rev. Fr. Mathew Keemattam and Lt. Mr. John Yesong deserve all praises for their efforts. Chomi village (Present Phuvkiu) became the second place with a Catholic Community when 7 youngsters received baptism at Phelungre namely Mathew Pewsang, James Rikhikiu, Shahoto Abraham, Emmanuel Kiusumew, John Kiusumew, Peter Yutsumew and Michael Kiosokiu. Their strong faith was manifested with the construction of a Church building at Phuvkiu village, which was blessed on 8th April 1977. Those years, the community of 26 members then, increased to 752 members within few years.

The prosperous Catholic Mission received a note of appreciation, on 26thJan 1978, through a decree of Erection of a Catholic Centre, through which Kiphire Catholic Mission was made as an Independent Centre, with Fr. Mathew Keemattam as its first Priest in-Charge. A convent was also opened on 3rd Feb 1978 with Sr. Annie Jose as its first Resident Superior.

Fr. Kurian, who took charge on 27th July 1980 proved an able missionary making new contacts with the villages such as Penkim, Pungro, Mimi, Thonoknyu etc.

The delightful moment came on 25th Feb 1985 when, by a Canonical Decree by Rt. Rev. Abraham Alangimattathil, Kiphire was raised to a Parish, henceforth to be known St. Peter Parish Church and Fr. Mathew Thuniampral was appointed its First Parish Priest. His tireless missionary zeal reached Gospel to the new areas of Vongti, Sitimi and Seyochung. The Community at Sitimi was founded on 15th Nov 1985 with five families, namely Mr. Abraham Sukuto, Mr. Shikiye Stephen, Mr. Aghoto Augustine, Mr. Zhehevi N. Xavier and Mr. Peter Khevishe. Seyochung was the next place to be blessed with a community and a school in 1986.

In the course of time Fr. Mathew Thuniampral was replaced by Fr. Joseph Oottukalathil who later handed over charge to Fr. James Mlakuzhiyil on 27thMay 1992. The parish had the joy to have a beautiful Parish Church constructed and dedicated on 5th June 1994 by Bishop Abraham Alangimattathil.

Though St. Peter Church, Kiphire Town is the Mother Church for the Kiphire Area Catholic Mission, yet the growth of the Catholic communities in proper Kiphire Town was at snail’s speed. The Silver Jubilee was celebrated on 31st May and 1st June 1997 with around 20 Catholic families, while its tributaries were very receptive and the Catholic faith grew fast in these places. The native people showed interest only in having a school. But the celebration of the Silver Jubilee at St. Peter Church, Kiphire Town opened the eyes of many and slowly the number of Catholics at proper Kiphire Town also began to increase. Rev. Fr. Fr. James Mlakuzhiyil the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. PJ. Thomas, Sisters and the small Catholic Community members of Kiphire Town and Kiphire Village toiled so hard, in order to make the celebration a very meaningful and a successful one. It is because of the sacrifices made by so many Individual Missionaries that the Catholic Community began to grow from strength to strength in Kiphire District.

Some families and individuals in Kiphire Town and the surrounding villages left the Catholic Church due to some personal reasons and excuses. But, these are the few families who stood firm on their Catholic Faith till the Celebration of Silver Jubilee of St. Peter Church, Kiphire Town in 1997. They are Mr & Mrs. Francis Yangtsakiu, Mr & Mrs. Peter Kurakiu, Mr & Mrs. David Hovito, Mr & Mrs. Abel Singphukiu, Mr & Mrs. Paul Asingba, Mr & Mrs. Anthony Chopimong, Mr. & Mrs. S.K. James, Mr & Mrs. Abhaham Ramji, Mr & Mrs. Peter Thsapongse, Mr & Mrs. Joseph Yongpekhyong, Mr & Mrs. Mathew Murilo, Mr & Mrs. David Yanseki, Mr & Mrs. Isaac Chinga, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kiosokiu, Mr & Mrs. Daniel Sahsong…

Pungro remained as a Centre under St. Peter Parish Kiphire for many years. Rev. Fr. Thomas Muttathil came and stayed as the first resident Priest In-Charge of Pungro Centre. As the number of the Catholic Communities in and around Pungro increased, Pungro became a full fledge Parish. His Lordship Rt. Rev. Jose Mukala D.D, Bishop of Kohima (Nagaland) erected St. Paul Parish, Pungro on 2nd Oct 2002. Rev. Fr. Thomas Muttathil was appointed as the First Parish Priest, and Rev. Fr. Joe Mariadhas and Rev. Fr. Johnny Mathew assisted him as Assistant Priests.

As the number of Catholic Communities increased in Kiphire District, there was need to open new Centres where the Priests and Religious Nuns who will be able to take care of the new and old communities. Therefore, new centres were opened at Seyochung Town, Phuvkiu Village and Sitimi Town. At present the Priests and Religious Nuns stationed at these centres looks after the nearby Catholic Communities in the villages.

 

The First Edition of “Sangtam Prayer and Hymn Book” for the Catholics was Published in the year 1995, under the Leadership of Rev. Fr. Abraham Lotha. Credit goes to Mr. N. Mathew Throngsukiu, the then touring catechist, Mr. Abraham Ponglise, Mr. Anthony Chopimong and Mr. Lt. Paul Asingba.

The Second Edition of “Sangtam Prayer and Hymn Book” for the Catholics was Published in the year 2013, under the Leadership of Rev. Fr. Alex Vizo and Rev. Fr Benny. Credit goes to Mr. S.K. James, Mr. R.Y. Moses, Mr. T.Y. Peter, Mr. Abraham Ponglise, Mrs. Elsy Yongpechi and Mrs. Jacinta Moala in compiling the second edition.

St. Peter Church in Kiphire town alone has today more than 120 families. At the initial stage, the growth had been awfully very slow in this stronghold area of the Baptist Church. People are keen to have the Catholic Schools in their Villages but some opposition to Catholic Faith in the villages exists even today. Despite great odds, the Catholic Church of Kiphire Town has taken roots. Though less in number, compared to other Churches, the Catholic Church has been able to make its presence felt. There is a growing demand for opening Catholic Schools and Catholic Communities in some of the villages that falls under the jurisdiction of Kiphire Parish.

The Parish Church is also proud of its local vocation to priesthood namely Rev. Fr. James Thsipongkiu and Rev. Fr. David Tithong. There are also seven seminarians in the house of formation. Religious Nuns from St. Peter Church, Kiphire are Sr. Rebecca Sangtam MSMHC, Sr. Rosily Atsula UFS, Sr. Theresa Markey SABS, Sr. Rosely Tsapila UFS, Sr. Ranita Selila UFS, Sr. Angela Arila UFS, Sr. Gloria Lichopila UFS, Sr. Veronica Lipongla, Providence. There are also so many candidates in different houses of formation to become Religious Nuns.

At Present St. Peter Parish, Kiphire has Catholic Communities at Kiphire Town (596 Members), Kiphire Village (201 Members), Phelungre Village (245 members), Kiusam (194 Members), Hurong Village (56 Members), Longmatra Town (96 Members), Ngoromi Village (50 Members), Anatongre Village (59 Members) and Singrep Village (58 Members)

Every Village or Town Community has a local Catechist, Church Secretary and other Church Office bearers who manage the day today running of the Church. The parish has produced so many trained Catechists, namely Lt. Mr. John Yesong, Mr. Mathew Throngsukiu, Mr. Samuel Throngji, Mr. John Ririmew, Mr. Mark Sumi, Mr. Thomas Kiumusu, Mr. Simon Athrise, Mr. Anthony Thsaropi, Mr. Adrain Setsaba, Mr. Edward Yangthong, Mr. Samuel Kurack, Mr. Jacob Abuju and Mrs. Lucy Likhumla.

At Kiphire Village, Mr. Paul Lipio was the first person to accept the Catholic Faith. He was one of the pioneers in accepting the Baptist Faith at Kiphire Village and also served as the pastor of Baptist Church. There was a great wave of Revival in the Village Church in the later part of 1980s. As a former pastor, he was little skeptical about this Revival movement happening in the village. It is a special movement of God’s Spirit that brings with it deep conviction of sin, fresh contrition and fresh holiness, and concomitant zeal for God. But he observed the growing number of self-righteous individual leaders, bullying the so called sinners. And dissensions within the village Church and the village society started to grow, with no remarkable progress, with no sign of extraordinary blessing from God. Naive optimism prevailed among the hardcore revivalists and they overlooks the reality that the flesh still wars against the Spirit and that the devil still prowls around as a warring lion and as a messenger of deceit. In this sinful world, any church can become infested with a few hypocrites; in times of blessing, the attractiveness of hypocrisy becomes proportionately stronger.

He went to Longkhim Town and met Rev. Chotsimong Sangtam, who was working at Yangli Centre at that time. Rev. Chotsimong Sangtam was so kind and freely shared when enquired about the Church History of the Protestant denominations and the Catholic Church. He came back to Kiphire and entertained the thought of becoming a Catholic. Rev. Alise Sangtam, who was then serving as Evangelist in Kiphire area told him that there is nothing wrong in joining the Catholic Church, but there should be a good intention and the spirit of the Lord should work in all that we do. He also told him that it is the fundamental right of everyone to follow any religion and quoted Article 25 of Indian Constitution.

Mr. Peter Kurakiu, the then Church Catechist of St. Peter Church, Kiphire Town catechized him about the Catholic Faith. After two years of catechism classes, Mr. Paul Lipio and his family was received to the Catholic Faith at St. Peter Church, Kiphire Town on 18th July 1993, by Rt. Rev. Abraham Alangimattathil SDB, Bishop of Kohima, when Rev. Fr. James Mlakuzhiyil was the Parish Priest and Rev. Fr. Abraham Lotha was an Assistant Priest.

But back in the village, everything was not so smooth for his family. The Head GB of the Village gave orders, not to allow the entry of the Catholic Church members. Sometimes, Fr. James Mlakuzhiyil and Religious Sisters had to go back from the village in tears. He was told not to convert anyone from the village to the Catholic Faith. Nine Court cases were filed against Mr. Paul Lipio by the Village Council. However, not all the Village Council Members were against Mr. Paul Lipio's acceptance of Catholic Faith. During one of the such Court cases, Shri. Tsipise, the then G.B had the foresight to tell the court “Dear elders this is not only for this generation, so we should all think before we come to conclusion of this case”. Within few months, Lt. Mr. Lichotsa Timothy courageously took the decision to join the Catholic Church. He was followed by three more families of Mr. Tsasethri Zechariah, Mr. Chotsakyu Peter and Mr. Liseo David. Inspite of all the hardships, the Church members started increasing in the village. The Catholic community members from St. Peter Church, Kiphire town always stood by this small village community. Mr. Tsathrongse GB also donated Rs. 500 and a file in order to encourage the new community.

 

The community in the initial stage had to face surmounting problems. The Community was not only less in number but had less educated people to defend their rights. Since there was no proper place to gather for worship, the members used to attend Church services at St. Peter's Church, Kiphire Town which continued till April 2011. Practicing Catholic Faith without Church building would have been incomplete so, the Catholic Community approached the Village Council for Church construction site at Kiphire Village. To which the Village Council and the General Publicagreed upon and passed a resolution in a general meeting allowing the construction of Catholic Church at Kiphire village. One could experience the complete U turn in their attitude towards the Catholic Church. From there on the Village Council and the villagers are so helpful towards the Catholic Church in everything. One can see the joy of accepting one another, the joy of progressing together as one people.

With the initiative and support from Rev. Fr. Alex Vizo, the then Parish Priest and well-wishers, the first Catholic Church construction was blessed and laid by Rev. Fr. Alex Vizo, on 9th Aug 2009. With much difficulties and sacrifices the Church construction which began in August 2009 got completed in the month of April 2011, and was Christened “St. Dominic's Church" by Rev. Fr. Matthew Thuniampral on 15th May 2011.

The formation of St. Mary Church, Anatongre started with the initial contact of Rev. Fr. Alex Vizo and some Catholic Community Members of St. Peter Church, Kiphire Town. Anatongre Village is a very prominent village of Tikhir Tribe. The Catholic Community members had originally mobilized 22 families of the village to join the Catholic Church. But when the Village Council Leaders, Village Citizen Union and the Student Bodies passed Resolution to expel the families from the village, only 7 families remained firm in their decision to join the Catholic Church and the remaining families backed off, out of fear of the Resolution made on 9th August 2010 at the village. Thus the Catholics were expelled from the social activities in the village. Catholic members were terminated and removed from the Village Council. Catholic students were not counted as members of Anatongre Student’s Union.

A temporary Church was also pulled down by the Village Council, which led to a long period of struggle between the Catholics and the Village Leaders. Several court cases were filed at the District Magistrate, Kiphire Town. The Catholic Association of Nagaland also came forward to bring understanding among the villagers. With the support of everyone, the Catholics were finally allowed to start its community at Anatongre village. A New Church for the Catholics was built within the village when Rev. Fr. Benny was the Parish Priest of St. Peter Church, Kiphire Town. St. Mary Church, Anatongre was blessed and Inaugurated on 26th Nov 2013, by Rt. Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, Nagaland.

It was with much hardship that the other Catholic Communities at Kiusam, Singrep, Longmatra and Ngoromi were also started by Rev. Fr. Alex Vizo, with the support of the Catholic Community Members of St. Peter Church, Kiphire Town. Every village community has its own long tale of struggles. But it is with the grace of God that everything is now settled and the Catholics are free to worship the Living God.

On 22nd November 2015, Rev. Fr. Carlos Vicar General of Kohima Diocese, Rev. Fr. Benny the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Gaikhang and Rev. Fr. Loyola Antony along with Rev. Sister Stella and Church Council Members from St. Peter Church, Kiphire Town stepped into Hurong village to give Baptism and have Reception to receive the members fully into Catholic Faith. The New Church was Blessed and Inaugurated by Rt. Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, on 15thMay 2016. Today the Christ King Church, Hurong Community is blessed with 23 families, 107 members who are residing in Kiphire Town and Hurong Village.

Conclusion:

When the world was moving towards the Ecumenical Movement, Christianity in this part of the country was busy converting the pagans by speaking evils and making false accusations about the Catholic Church. When Naga Nationalism was at its peak, the Catholic Church was spoken of as a Hindu Church, Non-Christians, a part of Indianising the Nagas. So much so that some Christian communities, led by their spiritual leaders, sometimes indulge in activities not so Christian-like, rather the opposite of what Christian principles teaches us. There have been instances where the dominant Christian groups have disallowed entry of members belonging to other denominations, preventing them from holding prayer services, construction of Church, and even burials. Yes, there are so many extreme cases, where villages were declared unilaterally as “Single denomination village”, which not only makes a mockery of the Christian Faith, but also violates Constitutional safeguard on Religious Freedom. They pulled down the Churches, burn it to ashes and outcast the Fellow Christians from the village, by declaring the new converts as not the Citizens of a village.

In the backdrop of such suffocating and deplorable denomination humiliation of the past era, the present educated Church Leaders and Young Social Leaders provides a lease of freshness and teaches a lesson or two from the past, to all who try to take delight in humiliating the other smaller Christian denominations. The usual dislike for the other Fellow Christian members have reduced significantly in this part of the region. Now, one can find a spirit of oneness between members of different denominations. Differences, if any exists, remain within comprehensible human limits, not bitter or damning. The Catholic Church opened the eyes of many people through the Catholic Education; therefore, many educated people do not mince words, in acknowledging the magnanimous Mission work done by the Catholic Church in Kiphire Region. We wish that Christians everywhere be able to live a life worthy of our Christian calling and be an agent of spreading the Kingdom of God, which Jesus himself established on this earth.

(The Author is a Priest in the Diocese of Kohima, and can be reached on Benjamin.chang24@gmail.com. The content of the Article are his own)

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