Arunachal: Catholics celebrates silver jubilee of Itanagar Bishop
John Thomas became the first bishop of the state on 12 March 2006 and created history in the state.
Naharlagun
Catholics from across the state and North East region celebrated the silver jubilee of ‘Rt Reverend John Thomas Kattrukudiyil Bishop of Itanagar on Tuesday here at Sacred Heart Church Papu Nallah with day long celebration.
Attending the celebration Home Minister Bamang Felix, acknowledged the contributions of bishop in the development of Arunachal said, the state government under the leadership of chief minister Pema Khandu is ever ready to help the Christian community that can be of assistance towards upliftment of people.
Stating that the role of Churches in evolution of a matured society is immeasurable he said “It is Bishop who brought about change in the attitude of the people and human transformation,” the role Christian brethren’s is much more to go to bring peace among the entire populace of the state, region and country, he added.
Speaking on the vandalization of Church in other state, he assured all the present bishop of different states, those Christian believers and its churches is safe and BJP government in the state will always support its own capacity.
“If other religious groups are safe in the state, the churches are also safe, the most important things are to respect each other’s temples and churches, gompa etc,” Felix added.
Former Member of Parliament Takam Sanjoy said that alongwith growth of church several educational institution has also grown in state. We may take more benefit from his knowledge and experience and congratulated him of 25 year of service to the humanity which 14 year in state.
Rev. John Thomas while said that I have served the people of India in various parts of state and region. I served everybody irrespective of cast, creed and religion. I tried to establish educational institution which is place for human resource development and transformation. he said.
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The president Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA) Taw Tebin in his speech informed that in those days missionaries were not allowed to enter in Arunachal Pradesh but the young boys and girls of the state who studied in catholic mission schools and colleges in the neighboring states were the apostle who carried the faith and good news of god in the state.
The Thomas became the first bishop of the state on 12 March 2006 at Indira Gandi Park which was a landmark and created history within the Catholic Church in the state. Since then Bishop John Thomas is working day and night for the benefits of the catholic community. He has toured every interior and backward area and villages and also established a may health units and dispensaries in the remote areas informed Taw.
Bishop of Agartalla Rev. Lumen Monteiro, SDB, Bishop of Guwahati Rev. John Moonachria, Father C C Jose, Silver jubilee Organising committee Chairman Tok Buttum, Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association General Secretary Pekhi Nabam also address the gathering.
Former Chief Minister and Sagalee MLA Nabam Tuki, believers, well-wishers, parish priest from various parts of state and region among other were present on the occasion.
