SHILLONG, MAY 30: Thousands of catholic faithful and others thronged Laitumkhrah cathedral to have a last glimpse of the
legendary Reverend Fr Sylvanus Sngi Lyngdoh and pay their respect to the departed soul.
A prayer service was held in his memory and thousands of people joined.
All the missionary educational institutions remained closed to enable the teachers and students to attend the funeral. The state government too allowed its employees to leave the office at 12 noon so those who wanted to pay their last respect to the great soul could attend his funeral.
Father Sylvanus (95) breathed his last on the wee hours of Saturday last at a city hospital.
On Monday his mortal remain was taken from Mawlai Parish to Laitumkhrah Cathedral for catholic faithful coming from different parts of Khasi – Jaintia Hills region to pay their last tribute to the religious legend before taking to the cemetery.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, Congress Shillong Lok Sabha MP Vincent H Pala, Adviser to the Government DD Lapang and other ministers and legislators were seen attending the funeral service.
NESO chairman Samuel B Jyrwa and leaders of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) also paid floral tribute during the funeral.
People who have been healed through the prayer of Father Sylvanus besides those in wheeled-chairs also paid their tribute to the departed soul.
In his speech at the funeral service, chief minister Mukul Sangma said, “Recalling his contribution in his long innings, it reminds me that he was a true demonstration of the love of God.”
Stating that Fr Sylvanus was a multi-faceted personality, he said, “He has contributed so much to bring in the right knowledge and enlightenment for the upliftment of Khasi community.”
He said that he is sure that God will continue to bless the society with many such son of the soil and hoped that others will emulate his life.
On the other hand, Pala considered himself to be one of luckiest persons to have received the blessing from Fr Sylvanus. “He blessed me before I contested and won for the second term from Shillong parliamentary constituency which I will remember and cherish throughout,” Pala said.
Stating that his contributions as a writer, a priest, a healer and a think-tank are immense, he said, “He has been a friend to the indigenous community. His passing away is indeed a great loss to us.”
While extending his condolences, Lapang recalled the contributions of Fr Sylvanus towards development of Ri Bhoi District.
“He was instrumental for the demand for the creation of Ri Bhoi District besides development of education,” the former chief minister said.
Earlier, Fr Jose who is the Director of Sacred Heart Theological College said, “Fr Sylvanus was a legend, a gem and a gift to the Khasi society.” He recalled that even at the age of 95, Fr Sylvanus was very much involved in teaching theology in the college.
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. 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.
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
+ There are no comments
Add yours