Kohima, December 30 (MExN): Rev Deacon Litsuvi Christopher Rume was ordained a Catholic priest at Our Lady of Lourdes Church – Zelome, under St Ignatius Parish Razeba by Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima on December 29.
Rev Deacon approached the altar of the Lord with the theme: Through His Grace (Galatians 1:15). The newly ordained priest is the 8th Chakhesang Catholic priest to be ordained, the second from Zelome and the 4th from Razeba parish, stated a press release received here.
Bishop asked the community gathered to support the new priest like the way they supported him through their presence. Referring to 2 Corinthians 4:7, he said that priesthood is a gift given in an earthen ware jar so it must be carefully lived. Bishop said God wants him to be a good priest and to fulfill that he needs to stir up the gift that is given to him. Though a priest has no magical power and there is nothing automatic about the sacraments, yet the priest has divinely connected power. This gift once given by God cannot be taken back no matter how sadly they may be obscured by the man’s unfaithfulness the Bishop said.
In conclusion, he thanked his parents for generously offering him for the service of the gospel in a world challenged by the dark forces of social evil.
Rev Deacon John Thurr was ordained Catholic priest by Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima on December 30 at St. Xavier Church – Meluri Town for the Diocese of Kohima. Father John hails from a village call Phor under Meluri ADC Headquarter. He is the eldest of the 5 children.
He is the 4th Pochury Catholic priest to be ordained. He embraced priesthood with the theme: I chose you (John 15:16).
During his homily, Bishop said that the Catholic Church in Nagaland rejoices that one among them has been chosen and trained for the ministry that he is about to assume and that he has been found worthy. He also said that he was generous in responding to the call of God and he reciprocated positively.
In conclusion he also said that he stay close to his family, especially his parents as long as they are with him, the priests, the religious, the lay faithful with whom he will be in touch for the rest of his life. He also thanked his parents for generously offering him for the service of the church.
Johnny Ruangmei, President, Catholic Association of Nagaland while addressing the gathering, congratulated the newly ordained and wished him well in his ministry ahead.
