The Kohima Jesuits
The Jesuits are a male religious order within the Catholic church. They were founded by St. Ignatius Loyola and his first early companions in 1540.
The Jesuits can be found serving in diverse capacities around the world. They are probably best known for the contribution in the field of spirituality and education.
Pope Francis, the current leader of the Catholic Church, is an Argentinian Jesuit.
Who are the Kohima Jesuits?
To make a lasting impact on the communities they serve, the Jesuits usually adopt a multi-faceted approach of service.
They set up educational institutions at all levels -- primary, secondary and tertiary, providing access to quality education.
They engage in pastoral work, helping look after the spiritual needs of the people in remote parishes, offering spiritual direction, counselling, and enhancing the sacramental life of the faithful .
The Jesuits also engage in community development offering training programs to improve livelihood and employment opportunities, enabling people to contribute creatively and constructively to society.
Additionally, they have a few specialized institutions focused on social research, providing legal aid, and helping to preserve and promote the threatened and fast disappearing languages and cultures of Northeast India's indigenous communities.
Who are the Jesuits?
In 1970, at the request of the Education Minister of the Government of Nagaland, the Jesuits arrived in North East India to set up a school. Over time, their presence expanded to other regions of Nagaland and Manipur.
In 1995, what had been known as the "Nagaland Mission" was elevated to the "Kohima Jesuit Region" by Fr. Peter Hans Kolvenbach, the Superior General of the Jesuits. This change granted the region greater autonomy and self-governance.