India News

By Fr. Felix Anthony

Miao, 2 January 2025 : The Catholic Diocese of Miao in East Arunachal Pradesh celebrated a momentous occasion with the ordination of its sixth priest of Indigenous origin, Reverend Father Manphua Denis Khangham, on 30 December 2024. The ordination took place at St. John’s Parish Church, Kanubari, in Longding district.

Presiding over the ceremony, Bishop George Pallipparambil of Miao Diocese expressed his gratitude to Father Denis’s family for their sacrifice. “It is not a loss but a blessing. By becoming a priest today, he is going to fly in God’s sky and serve His people wherever the Church needs him. We wish him success, holiness, and God’s presence always,” the Bishop said.

The ordination coincided with the conclusion of the Longding District Catholic Women’s Convention, held from 27 to 29 December, which brought together 620 women from various parts of the district, including border areas of Assam and Myanmar.

A Journey of Faith and Inspiration

Reflecting on his vocation, Father Denis attributed his journey to the unwavering support of his parents, Dominic Wanghon Khangham and the late Phewan Lima Khangham, as well as the guidance of Bishop George. “My father has been a catechist for over 25 years, always asking what we could do to uplift our community. Bishop George, then a priest, encouraged me to join the seminary to become a priest,” he shared.

Hailing from Ozako village in Longding district, Father Denis is the third son in his family. His ordination was witnessed by Bishop Dennis Panipitchai, Auxiliary Bishop of Miao Diocese, over 60 priests, numerous Women Religious, and more than 2,000 faithful from across Arunachal Pradesh.

A Legacy of Vocations

Fr. Denis becomes the fifth priest from the Wancho tribe and the sixth priest of Indigenous origin from Miao Diocese. He joins a growing list of Indigenous priests, including:
• Fr. William Wangsu (Chopnu village)
• Fr. Simon Pansa (Ngissa village)
• Fr. Luke Longkai Khampongdam (Khasa village)
• Fr. George Wangbo Wangsu (Minthong village)
• Fr. Vincent Rangwang (Sinnu village, Ollo tribe)

Cultural Significance

The ordination ceremony was steeped in cultural richness. Fr. Denis donned traditional Wancho attire, complete with headgear and beads, and was led to the altar by his father and elder brother, Honlem Victor Khangham.

Arunachal Pradesh, home to 26 major tribes and over 110 sub-tribes, has seen only four tribes—the Wancho, Ollo, Galo, and Apatani—produce Catholic priests.

A Jubilee of Hope

As the global Church embarks on the Jubilee Year 2025, inaugurated on 29 December 2024, the ordination of Fr. Denis carries profound significance. Fr. John Doley, Priest in Charge of Kanubari Mission, remarked, “This ordination is a beacon of hope as we enter the Jubilee with the theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ It strengthens the Church and inspires our community.”

Fr. Denis is the 38th priest ordained for Miao Diocese, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. With more than 50 Women Religious of indigenous origin from Miao Diocese serving in various parts of the country, this ordination is a testament to the growing faith and commitment among the Indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh.