Kohima, June 18 (MExN): Churches in Nagaland observed Fathers’ Day in their respective churches on June 18. Mary Help of Christian Church, Cathedral Parish, Kohima, observed the day with Fr. Johnny Padinjareporiyath, the outgoing Assistant Parish Priest as the main celebrant for the Holy Mass during which special prayers were offered for all fathers.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Johnny thanked and assured prayers to all the Fathers. He referred on the liturgical feast of Corpse Christi (the body and blood of Jesus) which coincided with the Father’s Day celebration. He explained the significance, the belief in the body and blood of Jesus Christ's real presence in the Eucharist.
Based on the Gospel John 6:51, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven,” he emphasized on the joy of instituting the Holy Eucharist by Jesus, informed a press release. He further highlighted the importance of being united with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Each of our cells in the body gets nourished with food, so in the same way our Christian life also should be nourished with the reception of the Holy Eucharist, word of God, and prayers, he stated. He exhorted the gathering that many may experience Jesus in the daily encounter with others and more particularly in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Over hundred fathers joined the celebration. They were presented with surprising gift.
At Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers’ Hill, Kohima (CBCMHK), the day was celebrated with the theme, ‘A father’s instruction’. The speaker, Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, Sr. Pastor CBCMHK, said father is the strength of home and the responsibility put on a father is wonderful and excellent. Shouldering the responsibility of a father is one of the biggest responsibilities worldwide, he said, according to a press release.
Urging the fathers not to exasperate their children rather bring them up in the instruction of God, he said moulding families with prayer, bible reading and thanking God will definitely enrich families in all aspects.
The day was marked with colony wise song competition which was participated by 10 colonies, video display on wishing the fathers, dedicatory song presentation, presentation of fathers’ gifts, Love sharing tea table etc. Head Deacon Rhucho Tureng prayed for the fathers, while ex-Speaker, NLA, Z. Lohe read the bible.
The programme at St Xavier’s Catholic Church Kidima was observed with Reverend Father Raymond D’Souza SJ, Director of Eden Garden Children’s Home, Khuzama. In his sermon, Rev. Fr. Raymond appealed to the parents (fathers) to love and care for their children. He also asked the children to respect, obey, love, pray, support and make happy their parents, adding God will reward in return, informed a separate press release received here. He further called upon the large gathering of people to give peace, joy and love to the children and said God will provide the necessary in life.
Enchanting of praise and glory to the Lord, confession, and Eucharist celebration followed by fellowship meal were the highlights of the daylong celebration, the release added.
