Diocese: Kohima
Pioneers: Sr Mary Dukru and Sr Nancy Ngovulu D Vadeo
Longsa village-Its setting and people.
Longsa is a village in Wokha Sadar Sub-Division of Wokha District, Nagaland, situated very close to Wokha town, the district headquarters. It is approximately 3 km from Wokha and lies at an elevation of about 1,310 metres above the sea level. It is situated in the heartland of the Lotha Naga community. The people of Longsa belong to the tribe of Lotha. The people traditionally depend considerably on agriculture, including jhum and wet –rice cultivation, while the village’s proximity to Wokha has also opened opportunities for education, employment and other occupations.
The village has a long Christian history. The first church in Longsa was established in 1950.The catholic presence in Longsa developed gradually as part of the Church’s mission in the Lotha region. The first catholic missionary was Fr Larea. Today, St Peter’s Church, Longsa, is listed by the Diocese of Kohima as a Catholic Centre established in 2011, with 3 substations and 890 Catholics listed for the parish.
The Beginning of the Ursuline Franciscan Presence.
A significant chapter in the history of Longsa began in June 2015 when the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation (UFC) responded to the invitation to establish a presence and apostolate in the village.
On 4th June 2015, the pioneer Sisters, Sr Mary Dukru and Sr Nancy Ngovolu D Vadeo, arrived in Longsa. They were warmly welcomed by Rev. Fr Rhanben Mathew and the Catholic Church leaders of the village.
The arrival of the Sisters marked a new beginning for the catholic mission and particularly for the pastoral and educational apostolate in Longsa.Initially, the sisters stayed in a rented house in the village. This arrangement continued until 26th December 2016, when they moved into the newly inaugurated presbytery. The simple beginning in a rented house reflected the spirit of missionary service, availability and trust in God’s providence.
The presence of the Sisters gradually became an important part of the Catholic community and of the educational mission of St Peter’s School.
Establishment of the Convent.
The desire to have a permanent home for the sisters gradually became a reality. On 12th May 2018, a memorable and joyful day in the history of the community, the foundation stone for the convent, building was laid and blessed by Rev.Fr Rhanben Mathew. The construction of the convent was made possible through the generosity, cooperation and support of many people. The building became a visible sign of the Church’s continuing commitment to the people of Longsa, especially in the fields of education, faith formation and service.
Inauguration of the New Convent.
The long –awaited dream of having a permanent convent was fulfilled on 4th November 2019.On this memorable day, the new convent at Longsa was blessed and inaugurated by Most Rev. Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, in the presence of Rev Sr Mary C.J. Provincial Superior and members of the religious community and local Catholic community. The new convent provided the Sisters with a proper community home from which they could continue their apostolic activities. It became a place of prayer, community life, education, faith formation and service.
Commitment to education and formation.
From the beginning, the Sisters took a keen interest in the education and holistic formation of children and young people. Their mission was not limited to academic education. They sought to promote:
· Quality education;
· Character formation;
· Moral and human values;
· Christian faith formation;
· Discipline and responsibility;
· Service to others
· Respect for elders and community;
· And overall development of the child.
Thus the school and the Sisters ‘presence became closely connected with the mission of bringing education, faith, values and service to the people of Longsa.
Pastoral and Faith Formation Ministry
Alongside their educational apostolate, the sisters have been actively involved in the pastoral life of the catholic community. The sisters have sought to share in the joys and sorrows of the people, accompanying them in the various circumstances of life. They have been present with families during moments of bereavement and the death of their loved ones, offering prayer, comfort and a compassionate presence. They have also accompanied people during times of sickness and suffering. At the same time, the sisters joyfully participate in the celebrations of people. They share in occasions such as weddings, house blessings and house warming celebrations, rejoicing with families and strengthening the bonds of friendship and Christian fellowship.
House Visitation and praying with families have become a regular and meaningful part of the sisters’ ministry. The house visits provide opportunities to encourage families to pray together, participate actively in the life of the Church and grow in Christian faith and values.
The sisters also contribute to the faith formation of the wider Catholic community through prayer, catechetical instruction, Bible sharing and participation in parish activities.
The UFLA (Ursuline Franciscan Lay Association) Unit at Longsa.
On 27th January 2019, the UFLA unit was started with six members. The establishment of the unit encouraged lay people to participate more actively in the mission and spirituality associated with the congregation. It strengthened the bond between the sisters and the local catholic community and encouraged the spirit of prayer, service and apostolic involvement. At present there are six temporary affiliated, 6 registered members.
Thus the ministry of the Sisters at Longsa can be described as a ministry of presence-being with people in both their joyful and difficult moments. Whether in the classroom, the Church, a family home, a sick bed, a funeral, a wedding or a bible camp, the Sisters seek to bring the message of Christ’s love, compassion and hope.
