SHILLONG, Feb 6: Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh was, on Saturday, installed as the Archbishop of Shillong Archdiocese with a solemn mass at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians here.
Addressing the gathering during the ceremony, the new Archbishop said that he is available and approachable for all.
Making a clarion call for eradicating poverty, Lyngdoh also underlined the need to address health deficiency, especially in the rural areas of the state.
The ceremony started with a procession by the Archbishops and Bishops from the Archbishop’s House accompanied by the music of Church band, and the closed door of the Cathedral was knocked thrice by the Archbishop to symbolise a new beginning.
Recalling late Archbishop Most Rev Dominic Jala and his teachings, Rev Victor Lyngdoh said that as an Archbishop, his priority will be to bind people together, even as he stressed on the need to bring all the priests and the religious leaders in unison.
Earlier, the Archbishop of Guwahati, John Moolachira, installed Victor Lyngdoh as the Archbishop of Shillong Diocesan and also read out to all the declaration of Pope regarding his appointment as the Archbishop of Shillong.
After the installation ceremony, the novel Archbishop took over as the main celebrant of the Holy Mass.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Cabinet Minister AL Hek, besides several MLAs also attended the ceremony.
Speaking to media persons after the programme, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, while stating that it was a happy moment for all, expressed optimism that Most Rev Victor Lyngdoh will take forward the good deeds of Dominic Jala.
Sangma also informed that the government coordinates with different denominations for implementation of schemes and programmes for the benefit of the citizenry.
Moreover, the chief minister also lauded the efforts of the churches during the COVID-19 situation through provision of food, shelter et al.