The Cathedral is the most important Church in a diocese since it is the seat of the diocesan bishop and as the symbol of unity and hierarchical communion in the Church. In fact the term “Cathedra” means Chair. It is the Church where the bishop of the diocese presides over the liturgy. The word “Catholic” is derived from the Latin word “Catholicus” and the Greek adjective” Katholkose” meaning ‘Universal”. The building itself by its physical structure symbolises both the glory of God and of the Church. Though the diocese of Kohima-Imphal was erected in 1973 there was no Cathedral Church built for the diocese. Bishop Abraham Alangimattathil, SDB, who was the first bishop of the diocese of Kohima wanted to build a Cathedral blending
and amalgamating the Christian theology and architecture with the local cultural tradition and symbols. In many places the Catholic Church has the agent of inculturation mainly in the architectural, furnishing and decoration in literature and liturgy. With this plan in mind in 1982 the agreement with the Architect was signed and in 1983 the Church site was dedicated in the plot of land measuring 9.13 at Kuozhu, on the Aradurah hill now called New Minister Hill, overlooking the beautiful Kohima town and facing the historic Second World War Cemetery. It is visible from most of the mountain ranges surrounding the capital city of Kohima. The construction of the Cathedral began in 1985. Designed in Naga-Gothic style, built in a semi-circular shape, adapting and harmoniously blending both Christian and Naga cultural elements and art, the Cathedral stands as a historical monument. The Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians was officially consecrated in April 1991, after a peace memorial service, in which some war veterans from England and Japan who fought in the battle of Kohima, the last battle in the east of the Second World War, participated and came together for a reconciliation service and peace treaty, which may be first of its kind in the post-world second war period. In fact the roof of the Cathedral is red to signify the blood of Christ and blood of humans and of war victims. The Cross at the War Cemetery and the Cross on the tower of the Cathedral stand parallel, to remind us that the sacrifices of the Second World War heroes are united to that of Christ, who gave His life on the Cross for the salvation of the human race. In fact, the late Bishop Abraham Alangimattathil, SDB, who conceived and executed this magnificent edifice, wanted the Cathedral to be a centre of unity, reconciliation, healing and a source of peace for all peoples – the British and the Japanese who fought the war, the various tribes and people of Nagaland. It is a place to connect time and people, the present and past and future. Looking retrospectively, in a war, all are winners and no losers; there are no victors and vanquishers because everyone fought valiantly for their country and ideology. Death is the leveller of all distinctions and differences. Jesus Christ is the source of life for humankind and it is symbolized by the imposing 120 feet tall tower, built in the shape of Naga traditional bamboo cup. In the Christian theology the “Cup” stands for the chalice containing the blood of Christ in the Eucharistic celebration. The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of Christina life. Just as the bamboo cup that contained the Naga traditional drink, which was the source of strength, social knitting and fellowship and communion, the bell tower in the shape of the bamboo cup symbolizes the Eucharist that give strength, power, unity and fellowship, that holds the Church together. The steel structure and roof weighing over 400 metric tons was erected using only human hands and chains - cranes or other machines were not used. The façade of the Church is modeled after the Naga traditional house, “Morung” with three facades, reminding us of the three persons of the Holy Trinity. In keeping to the Israelite tradition of four gates for the temple of Jerusalem and Naga tradition of village gates, the campus is marked with four gates in four directions – North, South, West and East. The Cathedral has no pillars inside the Church. The structure, supported by seven pillars outside the main body, that is pulled and bound to the mighty tower, serving also as Belfry with four mechanized Italian bells, through nine girdles, which again links symbolically the close connection between the Eucharist and the Church – the community of faithful. The seven small supporting pillars inside the Church, adorned with framed paintings, depicting episodes from the Gospels, represent the seven sacraments, by which the life of every Christian is nourished and supported and united to Christ. It has a unique natural lighting system with aesthetically designed transparent roof depicting the Holy Spirit, which ensures sufficient light inside at any time of the day. This again symbolizes the power of the Holy Spirit to enlighten and guide the Church. The imposing 16 x 8 feet Crucifix is carved from a single tree and it is the tallest of its kind in Asia. The eight mosaic murals on the sanctuary wall depict the Christian history of salvation. The other symbols depicted on the wall integrate the local Naga symbols with Christian faith. The imposing altar and the ambo have well blended local Naga and Christian symbols carved on it. The Church has seven rows of pews (seven stands for perfection). It has seating capacity for 3000 people and standing capacity for 10,000 people. The seven big chandeliers emitting different colours over the altar symbolizes the seven sacraments. At the crypt of the Church is placed the baptistery, in the shape of a wooden Naga Plate on the one side and the Blessed Sacrament chapel in the shape of “morung” on the other side. The various statues of the saints placed in the Church has varied significance. The carving made on the entrance door of the Church depicts many traditional Naga symbols. Intercessory prayers and perpetual adoration takes place in the Blessed Sacrament chapel from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm every day, besides the morning Eucharistic worship. The lamp, hanging in front of the Blessed Sacrament is presented by the War veterans of England. They have also put the emblem of the second division of the British Army that fought in Kohima on the left side of the Cathedral wall. The cherry trees around the Cathedral ground were brought from Japan. At the left side of the Cathedral there is an epitaph like the one at the war cemetery “When you go home, tell them of us and say that for your tomorrow we gave our today” both in English and Japanese script. Today the Cathedral is not only a place of worship but an important landmark, a monument, a tourist attraction and an integral part and pride of Kohima and Nagaland. It stands as a landmark of the capital city of Kohima for its historical importance, architectural beauty, perfect blending and inculturation of Christian faith and local Naga culture. Today the Cathedral is second spot visited most in Kohima, next to the Second World War cemetery. For peoples of all tribes, languages, nationalities, religions who visit Nagaland, especially during the Hornbill festival (every year 1-10 December) Cathedral is one of their cherished spots to visit.
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