KOHIMA, JANUARY 2 (MExN): The Diocese of Kohima witnessed the ordination of the 107th diocesan Priest, Deacon Leo chase on January 2 at St. Joseph’s Church, Chumoukedima. Bishop James Thoppil officiated the Rite of Ordination concelebrated by 45 priests in the presence of Sisters, parents, Brothers, sister, friends and relatives of Rev. Leo, invitees, dignitaries and faithful.
Deacon Leo Chase son of Atso Anthony Chases and Seno Teresa, was born on October 30, 1986, at Tenyiphe Village. He hails originally from Khonoma village under Kohima District. He is the second son among the five children, with three brothers and a sister. He belongs to St. Anthony Church, Tenyiphe, under St. Joseph’s Parish, Chumoukedima. He started his journey to priesthood after his matriculation. He underwent series of formative stages until he was ordained on 2nd January 2018.
The deacon was presented by his parents after removing the traditional dress, indicating that he is being set apart for God’s work. Vilhozu Chase implored the traditional blessing upon Deacon Leo before he was presented the before the church. Earlier the cultural troop from St. Andrew’s Church Jotsoma, led the ordinandi towards the sanctuary.
On the auspicious moment, bishop thanked particularly the parents and relatives of Deacon Leo for offering him to God and to the Church. He stated that Deacon Leo is taking a bold step to follow the Lord totally wherein he will be ordained a priest, and hence set apart and consecrated to God’s work and His mission. Bishop further added in his homily that Deacon Leo is born again and it was symbolically enacted whenhis tribal attire will be taken out and given the ecclesiastical garment of the Alb, stole and Chasuble.
Speaking about the significance of Priesthood, he said that “Priesthood is a great blessing gift and source of blessing to the family, to the Church, to the tribe and to the society at large.”
The Bishop raised series of questions to Deacon Leo concerning the heart of the life-long priestly commitment. He appealed to uphold the preaching of the Gospel faithfully, celebrating the Eucharist and the sacraments reverently and praying constantly for the people he will serve as a member of the presbyteralorder under the direction of the bishop.
Fr. Pezalhukho George Rino chaired as the commentator of the Ordination ceremony. After mass a short felicitation program was organized in honour of the New Priest. Congratulation songs and choral songs were presented. The day ended with a festal fellowship meal.
