Dimapur, March 4 (MExN): On March 5, Catholic Church will observe Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent, “the most important season of the Church year.” In Nagaland, the main Ash Wednesday service will be presided over by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, the bishop of Kohima, at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Kohima at 7.00 am, besides the services in all the parish churches. On Ash Wednesday, all the Catholic schools remain closed so all can participate in the Church service.
A press release issued by Father Sojan Xavier informed that the bishop has exhorted every faithful of the diocese to avail this time of grace for the spiritual renewal of self, cultivate attitude of forgiveness in the home and between people. He also invited faithful to pray ardently for the smooth conduct of the general election, peace and prosperity in Nagaland. The bishop further wished all the Catholic faithful of Nagaland a fruitful season of Lent.
The release further informed that in his Lenten message 2014, Pope Francis has reflected on the words of Apostle Paul to Corinthians, “He became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” He wrote, “may this Lenten season find the whole Church ready to bear witness to all those who live in material, moral and spiritual destitution the Gospel message of the merciful love of God our Father, who is ready to embrace everyone in Christ...”
