The diocese of Kohima, covering the entire state of Nagaland, at the extreme northeast of India bordering Myanmar, is relatively new mission territory. The diocese is inhabited by 17 major tribes of Mongoloid race, who are collectively known as “Nagas” each having its own distinct dialect, traditions and customs. The Naga culture is rich in values like communitarian living, hospitality, openness, hard work, sincerity, etc.

The Catholic Church began its mission after the Second World War by helping to run the first government hospital, built by the British government as a reward for helping during the Second World War. Two Sisters and a chaplain who came from Spain were forbidden to teach Catholic faith, yet they preached it secretly and reaped its first fruits with the baptism in 1952 before they left the place. The sisters told us that they used to bury small crosses and medals as they visited villages hoping for the growth of the Catholic faith. That was symbolic implanting of the Catholic faith, growing into fullness in the course of time. Today there are over 63000 Catholics in the diocese. It is a fertile ground for vocations to priesthood and religious life. There is much scope for the growth of the Church.

Now the specific project the mission appeal is to build a shelter home for the children affected by HIV Aids or Children whose parents died of HIV Aids. As you know the so called the golden triangle of drug smuggling starts from Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and passes through Northeast to rest of the world. Naturally there many people addicted to drugs and consequently affected by HIV Aids. Many young people die, leaving the children orphans. In the diocese the Carmelite Sisters takes these children and tries to provide them with education and settle them in life. Now we would like to build a decent shelter home for these orphan children – a place to sleep – dormitory, study hall for study, refectory, kitchen and toilet facilities. These children are given opportunity for education and gradually settle in life. The whole shelter home will cost about thirty to forty thousand USD. The money from mission appeal this year goes to build a shelter home. Therefore we appeal to your generosity so that these children may have decent living conditions and settle well in life. We thank you very sincerely in anticipation for your generous help.

For more information, visit www.dioceseofkohima.org