Legendary Father Sngi passed away

SHILLONG, MAY 28:  The legendary ninety-five year old Reverend Fr Sylvanus Sngi Lyngdoh passed away in Nazareth

hospital in the wee hour of Saturday. Popularly known as Father Sngi to many Catholic faithful, he was not only a priest but also a Khasi scholar par excellence and is also believed to be a healer.

His funeral will take place on Monday and before that there will be a mass at the Cathedral and later he will be put to eternal rest at the Laitumkhrah Catholic cemetery.

Fr Sngi, whose first name means Sun in Khasi had said that he often uses the Khasi worldview and concepts in explaining Christianity to tribal people. He was born in Bhoi in January 3, 1921. He was ordained was ordained a priest in Italy by Salesian Bishop Michele Alberto Arduino in July 1, 1958.

Father Sngi wrote a Bible commentary in Khasi language.

Describing Fr Sngi as ‘spiritual and extremely pious priest’ MLCU vice chancellor Robert  G  Lyngdoh said,   “He not only translated a number of texts into Khasi, but he has played a major role in contextualising the Roman Catholic rituals by including indigenous terms and phrases.

Lyngdoh said that Fr Sngi will be deeply cared for the sustainability of the Khasi people and the environment and, ‘ he did what he could to achieve this.’ He said his passing away has left a void that will be difficult to fill.

Father Sngi began the work with the book of Hosea 25 years ago and has completed 28 books so far. He also wrote on St. Paul`s letter to Galatians. “It is a very important book as it is a pastoral letter,“ he said.

He was known in the region as a healer, missioner, author, and political and social thinker.

He always wore a Khasi dressed in traditional tribal turban and shawl.

He has also written two dictionaries Hebrew-Khasi and Aramaic-Khasi for local Bible students.

Father Sngi also taught theology at Sacred Heart College and unlike many elderly people was comfortable using his laptop to write the commentary.-By Our Reporter  `