Deacon Albert Renao Shitiri was ordained as the first Catholic priest from Pangti village after 63 years of Catholic presence in the village. He was ordained Priest for the diocese of Kohima on 28^th December 2023 by Most. Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima.

Deacon Albert committed to the order of Priesthood with the motto “Be My Witness” Acts 1:8. The ordination began with the blessing and releasing of the statue of ‘the Holy Redeemer’ at the entrance of the village, which was prepared in honour of the first Catholics in the village. Dn. Albert was then escorted by the parents and the community members to the venue for the ordination.

 In his introduction Bishop expressed his condolences and prayer for the repose of Deacon Albert’s dad on behalf of the diocese and all present. He said that he knew him to be sick, but never imagined that he would go so soon, not attending this great auspicious occasion of the priestly ordination of his son, the first priest to be ordained from the village after 63 years of Catholic presence in the village. He expressed is hope that surely he is in heaven partaking in this ordination spiritually and praying for his son. During his homily Bishop said that Deacon Albert will become a priest for all eternity: set apart and chosen, just as the apostles were called by name and set apart as heard in the Gospel of the day. Every day that Deacon Albert lives from today should be the living out of this consecration, a greater deepening of this reality, he said.

Around 50 priests concelebrated in the celebration with the Bishop, Religious Sisters, CAN, NCWA and NCYM officials, public leaders, church leaders, Family members, relatives and friends. 
The prayer of blessing was given along by the parents with the calling of the candidate. Rev. Fr. John Ntonse anchored the ordination ceremony. Rev. Fr. Manu Mathew, Parish Priest St. Peter’s Church Riphyim accorded the words of welcome. 

During the felicitation programme Rev. Fr. Albert Renao in his address raised his heart and mind to God in gratitude for all the blessings that God has showered upon him through many people on his journey to Priesthood.