Itanagar, Jan 3: The Catholic Diocese of Miao marked a historic milestone with the ordination of its sixth indigenous priest, Rev. Fr. Manphua Denis Khangham, in a ceremony at St. John’s Parish Church, Kanubari, Longding district in Arunachal Pradesh. The event held recently underscored the Diocese’s growing legacy of faith and commitment among the indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh.

Presiding over the ordination, Bishop George Pallipparambil expressed gratitude to Fr. Denis’s family, acknowledging their sacrifice and dedication. “By becoming a priest today, he is going to serve God’s people wherever the Church needs him. We wish him success, holiness, and God’s presence always,” the Bishop said.

Fr. Denis, the third son of Dominic Wanghon Khangham and the late Phewan Lima Khangham, hails from Ozako village in Longding district. Reflecting on his spiritual journey, he credited his father, a catechist for over 25 years, and Bishop George, who encouraged him to join the seminary.

“My father’s service to the community and Bishop George’s guidance inspired me to pursue this path,” shared Fr. Denis.

The ordination was witnessed by Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Panipitchai, over 60 priests, numerous Women Religious, and more than 2,000 faithful from across Arunachal Pradesh.

The ceremony featured traditional Wancho cultural elements, with Fr. Denis donning tribal attire, including symbolic headgear and beads. He was led to the altar by his father and elder brother, Honlem Victor Khangham, exemplifying the unity of faith and heritage.

Arunachal Pradesh, a state known for its diversity with 26 major tribes and over 110 sub-tribes, has seen only four tribes—the Wancho, Ollo, Galo, and Apatani—produce Catholic priests. Fr. Denis is the fifth priest from the Wancho tribe.

Fr. Denis joins a distinguished group of indigenous priests from the Miao Diocese, including Fr. William Wangsu (Chopnu village), Fr. Simon Pansa (Ngissa village), Fr. Luke Longkai Khampongdam (Khasa village), Fr. George Wangbo Wangsu (Minthong village) and Fr. Vincent Rangwang (Sinnu village, Ollo tribe)

His ordination coincided with the conclusion of the Longding District Catholic Women’s Convention, which brought together 620 women from across the district, including border areas of Assam and Myanmar. It also ushered in the Jubilee Year 2025, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” inaugurated by the global Church on December 29, 2024.“This ordination is a beacon of hope and a testament to the growing faith among indigenous communities,” remarked Fr. John Doley, Priest in Charge of Kanubari Mission.

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