Manipur: A momentous milestone for the Rongmei Catholic community was celebrated today with the official release of India’s first complete Rongmei Catholic Bible at St. Paul Parish in Senapati, Manipur. The event holds profound spiritual, cultural, and linguistic significance, marking a historic step in preserving the faith and identity of the Rongmei Naga people.
The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Bishop Dominic Lumon of Imphal, highlighted the spiritual importance of Scripture in one’s mother tongue. Bishop Lumon lauded the translation team for their tireless dedication, noting that access to the Bible in their own language not only strengthens faith but also nurtures cultural heritage and fosters a deeper, more personal relationship with God.
The newly published Bible encompasses both the Old and New Testaments and was meticulously prepared by the Rongmei Catholic Scripture Translation Team. Years of effort went into ensuring that the text retained theological fidelity, linguistic accuracy, and pastoral clarity. The project received significant support from the Bible Commission of the Archdiocese of Imphal as well as local community leaders, reflecting a collaborative effort to enrich the spiritual life of the Rongmei faithful.
The release ceremony saw the participation of priests, religious, lay faithful, and well-wishers from across Manipur, all expressing heartfelt joy and gratitude. Many attendees highlighted the importance of this milestone for future generations, who will now have the opportunity to encounter the Word of God in the language of their hearts.
Copies of the Bible were distributed to parish representatives and mission centres throughout the region, marking the beginning of a renewed journey of scriptural engagement and cultural affirmation for the Rongmei Catholic community. This historic event promises to leave a lasting impact on the spiritual and cultural life of the community for generations to come.