KOHIMA, MAY 22 (MExN): The feast of Mary Help of Christians, the patroness of the Cathedral Church and the diocese of Kohima cum Sisterhood Day was celebrated on Sunday, May 22 with Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima as the main celebrant.
Rev. Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, Vicar General, Fr. George Punnolil, Finance Administrator, Fr. Johny, Principal of St. Mary’s Cathedral school and Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, the Secretary to the bishop concelebrated the Holy Eucharist. Ninety sisters participated the celebration.
51 children received the sacrament of the first Holy Communion.
The Parish Priest, Fr. Carolus accorded the words of welcome to Sisters, parents of the first communicants, President and colloquies of the Catholic Association of Nagaland, Nagaland Catholic Women Association and Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement and all the invited guests.
Bishop’s homily was based on the feast of the day, the Holy Trinity. “The feast reminds us that we are in relationship with each other and we are to love and help each other. Our unity must not disintegrate the diversity and wise our diversity should not be a hindrance to unity,” he stated.
The Bishop thanked all the Sisters all over the diocese for their dedicated and devoted services, even in the most remote areas. He assured them of the prayerful support to them. There was special songs presented by Catechism children, FMA Novitiate, Cathedral Catholic Youth Association.
The actual celebration was preceded by one day seminar on Year of Mercy animated by Rev. Dr. Graviour Augustine, Professor of Oriens Theological,College, Shillong on Saturday May 21. On the same evening there was also the blessing and inauguration of the new statue of Mary Help of Christian, presented to the Church by the NCYM, after which a solemn prayerful candle lit procession was held.
Elias, the President of CAN, and commissioner of Transport; Regina, President NCYM and Professor at St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, thanked the Sisters working in the diocese for their committed life and service. A memento each was presented to the sisters by the diocese and by the CAN.
