Kohima, February 19 (MExN): Rev. Fr. Obed Yimchungrü, the fifth Yimchungrü priest from St. Paul Parish, Pungro in Kiphire district was ordained on Saturday, February 18 by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima. His motto is “To Make Disciples of Christ” (cf. Mt. 28:19), informed a press release from Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Bishop’s Secretary, Kohima. Over 40 priests concelebrated with the Bishop in the solemn ceremony held in Pungro. Deacon Obed dressed in traditional attire was led to the ordination hall by the parents and relatives. Before the ordination ceremony, after the homily of the Bishop, the parents prayed over him and removed the traditional attire symbolizing him being set apart for God’s work, the release said. Bishop in his homily shared few thoughts of Pope Francis given at various priestly ordinations. The Pope said that the Holy Order along with marriage correspond to the two vocations through which Christians can make their life a gift of love. “Holy Order, marked in three degrees of episcopate, presbyterate and diaconate, is the sacrament which enables the exercise of ministry from the Lord Jesus to the Apostles, as reflected in the gospel passage chosen for the day (cf. Jn. 20: 19-23). In virtue of the Holy Order, a priest dedicates his whole self to the community and loves it with his whole heart, reflecting Christ’s love for the Church,” he was quoted. The love, he said, is manifested in service as St. Peter exhorts, “tend the flock of God in your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge, but being example to the flock” (1 Peter 5:1-4). “A priest needs to be imbued with Christ through the sacraments he celebrates, without which his ministry becomes shallow. Rootedness in sacramental life of the church brings forth passionate love for Christ and the Church.” The bishop also stressed that vocation of priesthood is not a ticket sold and bought but the fruit of Lord’s call. Rev. Dr. James further urged Deacon Obed to share with all people the word of God, sanctify them through the celebration of the sacraments, following the example of Christ who came not be served but to serve and seek out the lost and the least. Rev. Fr. Obed Yimchungrü is the second of the five sons of Shahoto Abraham and Lt. Youngtsachi Anne. Born on June 27, 1985 in Pungro, he did his schooling at Little Flower School, Pungro. At the age of 15, he had a desire to become priest and joined the seminary at Jalukie in the year 2000, informed the press release. He did the Spiritual orientation course at Chabua, Assam, Philosophy and B.A at Salesian College, Dimapur, Regency at Meluri and Seyochung, Masters of Philosophy and Theology at Jnana Deepa Vidyapath, Pune, and Diaconate at Lakhuti. Earlier, Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, the Vicar General, presented the candidate for ordination while Rev. Fr. Sajimon, the Parish Priest, called out the candidate and accorded the words of welcome to the Bishop of Kohima, John Tselise, ADC, Meluri, government officials, village leaders, dignitaries, priests and sisters from different parishes, leaders of CAN, NCYM, NCWA, catechists, the invited guests, and other participants from far and near. Rev. Fr. John Lichoi, a priest from the same parish and David Deshelen anchored the program. Congratulation song and choreography were presented during the short felicitation programme. There were short speeches from the Bishop of Kohima; James Tsathrongli, Vice President of CAN; and Shahoto, father of the newly ordained priest. The newly ordained priest expressed the words of gratitude after which many friends and well wishers congratulated him with gifts.