The Establishment of the Kohima Jesuit Province, Umbir, Shillong 10 March 2026

On 10 March 2026, in Umbir, Shillong, the formation of the new Kohima Jesuit Province was solemnly celebrated in the presence of the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr Arturo Sosa SJ. It was graced by many bishops – including Bp Francis Serrao SJ, the former Provincial of Karnataka Jesuit Province – many lay and consecrated people including major superiors of various congregations. Fr Wilfred Kharpuri, the first Jesuit priest from Northeast India, read the decree of the establishment of the new Kohima Jesuit Province, and Fr Arturo Sosa, the Superior General, Fr Stanislaus D’Souza SJ, the Provincial of South Asia, Fr Dionysius Vaz SJ, the Provincial of Karnataka, and Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh DD, voiced their joys, hopes and wishes, on behalf of the entire Society of Jesus and the Universal Church. Fr Raymond D’Souza SJ, the Pioneer and Fr Valerian Castelino SJ, the Provincial of the new Kohima Province were specially honoured, highlighting the interconnectedness of the past, the present and the future. The programme was further graced with beautiful prayers, choirs and dances from people representing various Jesuit missions. The peak of the cultural programme was the operetta by the Jesuit novices: ‘As it was in the Beginning’. The moment which many referred to as the most moving moment was when all the Kohima Jesuits came to the stage and thanked the Trinitarian God and all the people by singing: “Take my heart, O Lord”. The MCs of the celebration were Ms Lily Banri Iawphniaw and Mr Daniel Khyriem of St Francis Xavier Parish, Umbir. The formal programme was followed by a convivial gathering—a moment for Jesuits and friends to recount cherished and challenging memories, share future aspirations, or simply appreciate the beauty of the moment. More than just the inauguration of a new entity, it was a celebration of shared joy and a renewed sense of commitment.