New ACU office bearers along with Dr. James Thoppil and others on January 13 at St Clare Higher Secondary School, Dimapur. (Photo Courtesy: Pete Kire)
Dimapur, January 13 (MExN): The three-day 2nd Leaders Meet and 11th Convention of Angami Catholic Union ( ACU ) held under the theme, "Rooted and build up in Christ," ( Col : 2:7 ) culminated with eucharistic celebration on Sunday at St. Clare Higher Secondary School, Dimapur.
Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima Diocese presided over the Eucharist along with many priests celebrating the Holy Mass, stated a press release from Publicity Committee member Max Khieya.
Delivering his homily, James Thoppil stated that on the day, the Church celebrates the feast of baptism of the Lord,marking the end of Christmas season and the beginning of the ordinary times of the Liturgical year.
"Today's feast reminds us of our own baptism, it is good for us to reflect on our own responses to our baptismal promises.”
He reminded the gathering to ask oneself whether we are living by the values and principles of Jesus or are ignoring him in our lives.
The celebrant also gave examples on how John the Baptist led a very austere life, dressed in the simplest of clothes and sustained himself on whatever nourishment he can find in the vicinity. “He has made a name for himself as a man of God and large numbers come out to hear and be influenced by him who was also doing a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” the bishop said.
The Bishop called the conglomerate to recall our own baptism and the meaning for our lives and reminded that "we should take it as a beginning of our relationship with Christ, a relationship that needs to be nurtured and developed all during our life."
He further reminded the believers saying Baptism was exactly what it meant for Jesus that day he stepped onto the River Jordan.”
Meanwhile, Lhouphrevilie John, Vizomenuo Merlyn and Rev. Fr. George Keduolhou read the Word of God ; Prayer of the faithful was offered by Ahienuo Janet and Phevima Catholic Union led the offertory procession.
A short felicitation function was soon followed after the Mass wherein outgoing ACU president, Kevituonyii Simon handed over the Constitution to the new ACU president, Lhusarovi Paul Rino who gave a short introductory speech.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Nohoshil John and Lhoubizoto Reuben and benediction pronounced by Saku Francis.
523 registered delegates from all Angami inhabited areas in Kohima and Dimapur attended the three-day ACU leaders meet and convention hosted by St. Leo Catholic Church in Phevima .
