Diocesan Fraternity celebrates feast of John Mary Vianney

Diocesan Fraternity of the Diocese of Kohima during the celebration of the  feast of John Mary Vianney, at St. Joseph’s Parish, Chümoukedima on August 5 and 6. (Photo Courtesy: Diocese of Kohima)
 

Dimapur, August 8 (MExN): The Diocesan Fraternity of the Diocese of Kohima celebrated the feast of John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of the Parish Priests at St. Joseph’s Parish, Chümoukedima on August 5 and 6. 

A press release stated here that the highlights of the programme included Holy Eucharist with local community of St. Joseph’s Parish, felicitation programme of the DF and the Sacerdotal 25 years Jubilarians, Diocesan Fraternity meeting, basketball match and get-together. 

The Solemn Eucharist was presided over by Rev Fr Sunny Joseph, Rector of Good Shepherd Seminary, Dimapur, at St. Joseph’s Church on August 6. Bishop James Thoppil and 70 other diocesan priests concelebrated the Holy Mass. 

The homily was preached by Rev Fr RR Graviour Augustine, Professor at Oriens Theological College, Shillong. In his homily, highlighting the qualities of St. John Vianney, the Rev exhorted the priests and community gathered, to be lovers like their patron saint and to root their life on prayer, and also invited the community to pray for their priests.

Four Jubilarians Frs. Sunny Joseph, PJ Thomas, RR Graviour Augustine and Anthonysamy were felicitated after the holy mass by the Diocesan Fraternity. 

The community of St. Joseph’s Parish, along with students of St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School felicitated the priests with a well-organized cultural programme. Bishop James Thoppil exhorted the community to love and care for their priests who toil hard and labour in different parts of the diocese. Fr. Anthony Samy thanked the Diocesan Fraternity, Bishop and others who were responsible for the celebration. 

Earlier Fr VU Johnson, president of Diocesan Fraternity extended the welcome address. The celebration began on August 5 with meeting of Diocesan Fraternity. New office bearers were also elected during the meeting. Fr. Godfrey was elected as the president and Frs. Lichoi John and Peter Pithungo were elected as Secretary and Treasure respectively. 

On August 6, basketball match between Diocesan Fraternity Team and the Josephians was played.