Meriema, December 4 (MExN): St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Meriema celebrated its Golden Jubilee with Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima as the main celebrant on December 4.
Rev. Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, Vicar General of the Diocese of Kohima and Rev. Fr. Peter Salew, Parish Priest of Christ King Kohima and many other priests concelebrated the Holy Eucharist. 16 Children received the Sacrament of the first Holy Communion. At the outset the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Peter Salew, SDB, welcomed all, Bishop, Fathers, Sisters, Catechists, Pastors of different denomination, invited guests and the faithful.
The Apostolic blessing and message from Pope Francis was read out by Neizolie Barnabas, Catechist of St. John Vianney Catholic Church. The Eucharist began with the lighting of 50 lambs, signifying fifty years of Christian lives.
Commenting on the reading of the day, particularly the gospel the Bishop in his homily said, “We must mend ruptures and frictions, face family responsibilities, work honestly, and treat employees justly. Start from where you are. Our domestic and social lives must be put in order.” He called for rectitude and social consciousness saying, “We must abandon our selfish thirst for consumption and, instead, be filled with the expectation of Jesus' coming. Let our life be changed with this jubilee celebration and become a new creation in the Lord by being fully people of God.”
Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Secretary to Bishop, Kohima in a press release said that the Jubilee choir of the village led the singing. Jubilee gifts were presented to the invited guests. The certificate of appreciation from the diocese of Kohima was presented to Neizolie Barnabas, catechist who served Church for twenty five years. Barnabas proposed vote of thanks. Jubilee meal was served to all.
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