St. Francis de Sales Parish, Medziphema is located in the Angami area of Nagaland. Fr. Jose Mundoly had been caring for the spiritual needs of the people of the area while he was assistant priest at Holy Cross Parish, Dimapur. On the 15th of August 1978, Bishop Abraham Alangimattathil opened the new parish of Medziphema (Gaspani) and Fr. Jose Mundoly was appointed as its first parish priest. The Sisters of Providence, an Italian congregation had already begun to stay there from 1977. In 1978, Fr. Philip Mangat was appointed as the assistant priest.

Fr Jose Mundoly had been caring for the spiritual needs of the people of the area while he was assistant priest at Holy Cross Parish, Dimapur, since 1975. On August 1, 1978, Fr Jose Mundoly and Fr Philip Mangatt took up residence at Medziphema. They had to stay temporarily at the Providence convent as the presbytery was not yet built. The new parish was inaugurated and blessed on August 15, 1978, by Most Rev. Abraham Alangimattathil, the bishop of Kohima.  A new church was blessed and during the mass, the Bishop announced that Ghaspani (Medziphema) centre had been entrusted to the MSFS “in perpetum” (Provincial Circular No. AM/23:April 8,1984).

When the parish was erected, there were a few small catholic communities: Medziphema town, Kukidolong, Rüzephema-Block-II, Punglwa, Tsüüma, Socünoma, and Tsiepama. Later, four more villages joined the community: Phiphema, Pherima, Gaili and Rüzephema Block-III. Gaili village church was built in 2013.

During the last 38 years, the Christian community has grown up and increased in number. The parish  has at present 11 sub-stations: Socunoma,   Tsuuma,Punglwa, Gaili, Ruzaphema (block-3), Ruzephema (block II), Kukidolong, Pherima, and Phiphema. There are about 1300 catholics from 250 families in 11 villages.

Each of the village communities is animated by a catechist each. The parish has a number of lay organisations, namely Medziphema Catholic Union, Medziphema Youth Association, Medziphema Catholic Association, Medziphema Catholic Women’s Association, Small Christian Communities and Holy Childhood. These vibrant organisations enrich the parish in different ways.

Mr Kenneth from Socünoma and Mr Kenneth Khole from Medziphema town were leading catholics of the community. The church leaders and catechists did a yeomen service in building up the church at Medziphema. We salute them for their untiring work, dedication and commitment. Mention must be made about a few others like Late Medu Peter Mesu, late Vitolie Victor Yhome, Mr Peter Chakruno, Mr Neipukhrisa Fidelis and the present catechist Mr Paul

The story of Medzphema parish is like the parable of the mustard seed. Began as a centre with 250 Catholics, today it is a very big parish with many sub-stations. The home science training centre continues to bring a ray of hope to many village girls and women. The apostolic school which had seen many changes has become the Minor seminary. The Sisters of providence have been excellent collaborators with us.

The Sisters of Providence (SDP)

The Sisters of Providence opened their first convent in Northeast India at Medzipema on February 27, 1978. It was only on August 15, that year that the convent was blessed by Bishop Alangimattathil. The first batch of sisters were (late) Sr Georgina Chitinappally, Sr Rosalina Myppan, Sr Annalisa, Sr Marialisa and Sr Giovanna, who were present in the parish from 1977.

They opened a dispensary and a home science school. These institutions were of great help for the local people. When the Government opened the PHC, the sisters closed their dispensary. The home science school was much sought after in Nagaland and Manipur. Scores of rural, uneducated girls were trained in home keeping, hygiene, cooking, tailoring etc. Some of them got also jobs. At present they run a Girls’ Hostel and a tailoring centre. Recently they have opened a home for aspirants. At present, there are seven sisters in the community who help in the parish in pastoral work, teaching and social apostolate.