NAHARLAGUN, OCT 16 : In a glittering function and in presence of huge gathering in city the people of Itanagar has welcome Rev. Dr. Benny Varghese and Edathattel was ordained as the second Bishop of Itanagar Diocese in a colorful ceremony at sacred Heart Church Naharlagun on Sunday,
The leadership of the Itanagar diocese was changed from Dr John Thomas who retired recently from his office on reaching 75 years. Dr Benny Varghese, hailing from Kerala held various responsible positions in Nagaland for the last 25 years. He was appointed the Bishop of Itanagar on 29 June this year by Pope Francis.
The glittering function and the programme was held at Sacred Heart Church, Naharlagun organised under the banner of Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA) was witnessed by a mammoth crowd of over 10, 000 people.
The eminent personality including two former Chief Minister Gegong Apang and Nabam Tuki, former MP Takam Sanjoy, MLAs Tana Hali Tara and Techi Kaso and other dignitaries. Several CBOs leaders, head of other religious organization. The function also witness the presence of 17 Bishops from the various states added solemnity to the occasion.
A press release issued by APCA said that the the religious rituals were led by the Archbishop of Guwahati, Rev. Dr John Moolachira. Rev. Juan Pablo, a representative of Pope Francis read out a message. Greeting the new Bishop, he expressed his confidence that under this leadership the diocese will continue to make great progress by initiating many activities that would benefit the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
APCA President Taw Tebin welcomed the new Bishop and promised full cooperation for all his plans for the diocese. He also thanked the outgoing Bishop Dr John Thomas for all his services in Arunachal Pradesh in the last 17 years.
APCA Itanagar, President Tarh Miri, APCA secretary general Nabam Pekhi and other also spoke on the occasion.
