In a historic milestone for the Rongmei Catholic community in the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur, the first-ever Rongmei Catholic Bible, containing all 73 books of Sacred Scripture, was officially released on December 14, 2025.
Rongmei is one of the Naga languages spoken by the Rongmei Naga people, primarily in Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was held at the Family of Faith Retreat Centre, Tengkonjang–Khoupum, during which Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Lumon of Imphal formally released and inaugurated the Rongmei Catholic Bible.
The Holy Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Michael Hingba, SDB; Fr. Tinglung Francis, SDB; Fr. K.C. James, SDB; Fr. Hilary Kamei; Fr. Marius Gangmei; Fr. Nicholas Kamei; Fr. Lancy D’Costa, SJ, along with several other priests. Thousands of faithful gathered to witness and celebrate this landmark moment in the life of the Rongmei Church.
As part of the spiritual preparation, a solemn Eucharistic procession was held on the previous evening, led by Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Lumon, followed by a retreat conducted by the Family of Faith, under the leadership of Bro. Daisinlung, at the Retreat Centre in Tengkonjang–Khoupum. During the procession, the Bible to be released was carried alongside the Eucharistic Lord, symbolizing the inseparable bond between the Word of God and the Holy Eucharist.
During the Entrance Procession of the Holy Mass, a cultural troupe reverently carried the newly published Bible to the altar, representing the deep faith and rich cultural heritage of the Rongmei people. This was followed by the enthronement of the Bible, prior to its official release.
In his homily, Archbishop Lumon emphasized that the Rongmei Catholic community is now blessed with the complete Bible in their own language. He exhorted the faithful to love, read, and live the Word of God, recalling the Gospel reminder that “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Addressing the gathering during the felicitation programme, the Archbishop quoted St. Jerome, saying, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” He urged the faithful to show due reverence to the Holy Bible, advising that nothing should be placed on top of it. He further announced that December 14 should henceforth be observed as “Bible Day” to commemorate this historic occasion.
The programme was attended by several Church leaders and lay representatives, including Dr. Matthew C. Kamei, President of the Rongmei Catholic Bible Translation Committee; Sir John Dangmei, General Secretary; Mr. David Gonmei, President of Rongmei Catholic Dimphuam (RCD–AMN); Mr. David Jiangamlung Kamei of RCD and RCD (Nagaland); Oja Simon Dangmei, President of the Rongmei Catechists Association; members of the Rongmei Catholic Women Society (RCWS); and numerous lay faithful.
The Bible translators were felicitated, with special appreciation accorded to Fr. Ningmei Thomas, the principal coordinator for the translation, printing, and distribution of the Rongmei Catholic Bible.
The historic celebration concluded with a fraternal agape meal, lovingly prepared by the host Family of Faith, under the spiritual guidance of Bro. Daisinlung Anselm, Madam Rita Kamei, Madam Martha, Catechist Stephen, and their dedicated team.
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