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Kohima, December 28 (MExN): Rev Deacon Phikato Xavier Kasho SDB was ordained as the 8th Sema Naga Catholic Priest by Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima on December 28.
He will serve at the St Francis of Assisi Church – Lazami.
As per a release from the Bishop’s office, the newly ordained priest surrendered himself for the service of humanity with the theme: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13.
Rev Fr Phikato belongs to the order of Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and is the second priest for the order from Lazami village proper, it said.
With the latest ordination, there are 5 Naga Priests from Lazami village, it added.
Speaking on the occasion, the Bishop referred to one of the documents of the Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium and exhorted the newly ordained priest to be always faithful to the Holy Father, the Pope who, as Bishop of Rome and successor to St Peter, “is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful,” the release said.
He also enjoined him to treasure the gift of priestly celibacy which he has received from God, and by which he love and serve Christ with an undivided heart, it added.
Rev Dr Thoppil also urged Rev Fr Phikato to follow the vision and mission of St Don Bosco, by being a faithful and generous shepherd after the heart of Christ, it added.
The ordination was attended by hosts of people from different walks of life, including delegates from Catholic Association of Nagaland, Nagaland Catholic Women Association, and Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement.
