Kohima, March 23 (MExN): The priests of the Diocese of Kohima along with religious and faithful from across the diocese filled the Holy Cross Parish Church in Dimapur on March 22 evening for the Chrism Mass as Bishop James Thoppil blessed three urns of oil - oil of the catechumens, oil of the chrism, and oil of the sick. A press release from Thomas Toretkiu, Secretary to Bishop, Kohima informed that two important events take place during the Chrism Mass – preparation, blessing of the oil and renewal of the promises by the priests. The blessing and distribution of oils is central to the Catholic Church’s sacraments and rites. From Jerusalem to Rome to parishes around the world, the pope and local bishops carry out the annual custom of preparing and distributing to churches the holy oils, the release said. The oil of catechumens is used to bless those who are about to be baptized, the oil of chrism is used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders, and the oil of the sick is used in the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Bishop James in his homily said the Chrism Mass “is a very unique gathering that has a special significance for us, ordained priests, and to the people of the local Church, as we priests, renew our commitment to priestly service and unity of our presbyterate with the bishop.” Emphasising on the importance and significance of the gathering of the priests of the diocese of Kohima as one body in unison with bishop, he said, “It is a loud and clear proclamation to people around us that though we are different in many ways – differences in language and culture, tribe and talents, size and shapes, views and opinions, yet we can be united, live and work as one body.” He therefore exhorted the priests and the faithful to promote oneness and unity. To the priests, he said, “Our ministry is not something that derives from us or for ourselves. It comes from our anointing with the oil of the Holy Spirit. We become ministers of the Spirit in the measure in which we follow the path of Jesus whom we remember in the Holy Week as the one who emptied Himself.” Meanwhile, Bishop asked the faithful to pray for their priests and support them all times. “Like any of us, there are moments in which the frustrations of priests – with ups and downs of their lives and the uncertainties they experience in their ministry – can lead them to dejection and discouragements. That is why priests need our prayers and support so that they can carry out their mission with renewed enthusiasm and dedication,” he added. The Holy Mass was followed by a short felicitation programme held under the initiative of the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN). The highlights of the programme included a Choral presentation from Holy Cross Parish, words of appreciation by Elias T. Lotha, President of CAN. Elias expressed gratitude on behalf of the community to all the priests for giving them spiritual nourishment. He also invited the priests to build a stronger working relationship between them. On March 22 morning, the priests spent time in prayer and reflection facilitated by Fr. Dr. Isaac Padinjarekuttu, professor, Oriens Theology College, Shillong, who focused on the theme, “Personal Encounter with Jesus”. Stating that “Christianity is person of Jesus”, he asked, “Do we really know Jesus? Have we really encountered Him in our personal life?” He added that it is easy to follow rituals, recite prayers, adore Jesus and yet one can keep a distance from Him. The first condition to have an encounter of Jesus, he said, is “repentance”. He also said that we are living in dangerous illusions, ‘spiritual worldliness’ – seeking one’s own glory and exhorted the priests to pray for the grace to have a personal encounter of Jesus.
