Chumukedima, October 9 (MExN): A three-day Diocesan Vocation Camp (Diocese of Kohima) was held at St. Joseph’s Parish, Chumukedima from October 7-9. Organized for students from classes 7 to 12, the camp was attended by 135 selected students from Carmel, Chumukedima, Holy Cross, Jalukie, Khonoma, Kohima, Longsa, Lozaphuhu, Medziphema, Peren, Razeba, Sanis and Thenyzumi parishes.
Rev. Fr. Thomas, Vocation Promoter, Diocese of Kohima, set the tone for the program. He said in the Bible, the word “call” is used most often to refer to God's initiative to bring people to Christ and to participate in his redemptive work in the world. He highlighted on Vocation as a call from God and not a career or profession, informed a press release from Fr. Thomas Toretkiu. He further cited that God has a purpose for each one of us.
Rev. Sr. Lucy Menuolhouno Sd.P, speaking on the topic ‘Vocation to holiness’, said Vocation in the church is at the service of holiness. However, some such as the vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life are the service of holiness in a thoroughly unique manner. It is to these vocations that she invited everyone to intensify through prayers.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. John Lichoi said that ‘Vocation to Service’ is a completely natural Vocation, because “human beings are by nature service minded, not being masters of their own lives and being, in their turn, in need of the service of others.” Service, he said, shows that “we are free from the intrusiveness of our ego. It shows that we are responsible to other people. And Service is possible for everyone, through gestures that seem small, but which are, in reality, great if they are animated by a sincere love.”
Rev. Fr. Victor Renthungo shared how God manifested his plan for him to priestly vocation through different signs. He said all vocations are a call to be who we are—to discover ourselves in the light of our relationship as sons and daughters of the Father in heaven, who is love. “Thus, one’s true freedom is to live the greatness of this love which unites us to the heart of the Father within the context of one’s specific vocation.”
Rev. Fr. Gideon SJ spoke on ‘Vocation in the local church’. He said vocation in the local church will mean courageously responding to the local needs. He also said that following Christ through a life of total surrender is definitely challenging but rewarding. Therefore, he urged the children to pray continuously to find that inner desire.
Rev. Fr. John Poji from NIESSR, Dimapur emphasized on the necessity to have a positive attitude in life with the example of Nick, a physically challenged hero. He motivated the campers with the theme “Call to put out into the deep” through his innovative video clippings based on the attitude to be sensitive and help the people in need.
The Vocation Camp culminated with a high mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Mathew Thuniampral, Director Shalom, Chumukedima. In his reflection, he asked the campers and the faithful, “Does gratitude keep us connected with the giver of the gift?” The attitude of gratitude, he stated, keeps us focused on the source of life, love each new day. He urged the campers to develop an attitude of gratitude for all the blessings they received from God.
On the closing day, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima urged the campers to take vocation as a challenging step in life. He added that becoming priests and religious sisters imply service to humankind with dedication.
