History of church
In the early 19th Century the British Prominent writer, Pemberton called the Marams as the “Great Marams”. This seems to be quite true as we often hear stories about great events and successes of our ancestors. Like many other Nagas the Marams also practice animism. The Land of Naojai Tamkang had a significant role in the life of Maram economy as it was and is a fertile land and yielded rich harvest. The land Naojai is named after a beautiful lady called Naojaila. She and N’bing-a great warrior of the time-were lovers. She was from a well-to-do family; so she erected Ranyii (Resting Place) in memory of her lover N’bing. This Ranyii remains even today. The people of Maramai Namdi (Maram Khullen) cultivated various types of crops at Naojai-rice, pulses, cotton etc. We can still find the grain store of Hourafiiba known as Hourafiiba Tiibou, surrounded by many stones. The many paddy fields in and around Naojai owned by the Marams is a proof of the fertility and richness of this land.
It was in recent times, that owing to the rapid increase of population in the Maram Khullen Circle, an idea was floated to establish a new village at Naojai Tamkang (Valley). Soon this dream became a reality. A new village was thus established on 5th March 2013. Also new Church under St. John Bosco Parish Maram was established by the Catholic believers here. The Church was named after St. John Paul II.
The proposal to establish St. John Paul II Church was endorsed by the Maram Khullen Circle, thus making it the youngest Church under St. John Bosco Parish Maram. It was hoped that even though the Church members were few in number and were poor economically faith would grow and God’s beautiful blessing would be upon them. Initially, Sunday services were conducted in different houses as there was no Church building. In addition to this difficulty, the village was twice attacked by Makhan villagers, a barbarian act.
At present St. John Paul II Church Naojai have 61 (sixty-one) households and 368 Catholic community members. St. John Paul II Church Naojai was dedicated on 5th March 2014. It was blessed by Rev. Fr. K.S. Joseph SDB, the Parish Priest of St. John Bosco Parish Maram in the presence of Mr. Michael (T.C.), and Mr. Paojai Marius (Local Catechist). It was inaugurated by Mr. Karaihing, Chairman, Maram Khullen Circle Board. Unfortunately, on 24th June 2014 the Church was set on fire by Makhan Villagers. In a proof that the Spirit of the Lord was present, miraculously the fire was put off and the Church was only half-burnt. It is the belief of the Church that the Lord Jesus will deliver justice in His judgment now and forever.
St. John Paul II Church Naojai collectively praises His name, with great joy and happiness, and joins hands with St. John Bosco Parish Maram to celebrate the Silver Jubilee on 30th and 31st January 2015. This Celebration of Silver Jubilee of our Catholic faith is a moment of restoring the Wisdom and Knowledge of King Solomon and our forefathers who had great and full attachment to God the Father and Creator of whole universe. Through the celebration of this Silver Jubilee Celebration let many individual afford and actions be turned into a collective one towards a grand success and thus glorify Jesus name. With faith in Him we shall strengthen His Church and spread His love for mankind as he himself has taught us while he was on earth.
As we celebrate the Jubilee let us renew our faith and devotion to Him. We hope that every member of the Church will pause and renew their dedication to the Church, will be more enthusiastic and commit themselves sincerely in embracing the faith. Let Jesus enter in our hearts, as a newly born holy Child. Let 2015 be a year of peace and prosperity for all our Parish Churches and for the whole Catholic Community. We pray that our young children will be inspired to follow the footstep of Christ and embrace religious life.