Dimapur, May 27 (MExN): The feast of Mary Help of Christians, the patroness of the Cathedral Church and the diocese of Kohima cum Sisterhood Day was celebrated May 27 last. Seventy Sisters participated in the celebration while 55 children received the sacrament of the first Holy Communion during the occasion.
Rev. Dr. Gerald John Mathias, Bishop of Lucknow Diocese was the main celebrant and concelebrated by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima; Rev. Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, Vicar General; Fr. George Punnolil, Finance Administrator; Fr. Jacob Charalel, Chancellor; Fr. Jaison C J, Principal of St. Mary’s Cathedral school; and Fr. Lawrence, NCYM Director and other Fathers.
The Bishop of Lucknow in his homily based on the feast of the day, the Holy Trinity said that it is “revealed doctrine by Jesus and officially proclaimed by the first Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.” “It means in one Godhead there are three persons – Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, forming an intimate unity and at the same time keeping their distinction,” he said adding, the doctrine of Trinity shall remain a mystery “since humans cannot fully grasp it.”
In the same way human beings share in this mysterious nature for we are created in the image and likeness of God. The mysterious nature of human being is not something we must be fearful, but it is something we need of explore, unfold and lived, Rev. Dr. Mathias noted.
Stating that the feast remind the faithful about the “relationship with each other and we are to love and help each other” the Bishop said, “Our unity must not disintegrate the diversity and likewise our diversity should not be a hindrance to unity.”
During the felicitation after the Holy Eucharist Rev. Dr. Thoppil lauded the Sisters all over the diocese for their dedicated and devoted services, even in the most remote areas. He also assured them of the prayerful support to them.
Earlier the Parish Priest, Fr. Carolus accorded the words of welcome to Bishop Gerald John Mathias, Bishop James and Delegates of AICU, 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.
