Kohima, November 20 (MExN): Christ King Church Kohima celebrated its name feast ‘Christ the King’ on Sunday with the Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima as the main celebrant along with eight priests and a deacon. During the Holy Eucharist, 51 received the first communion and 12 received the sacrament of the confirmation. The Bishop also blessed the newly elected office bearers of Catholic Union of Christ King Church. In his introduction, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil greeted the congregation and offered prayerful wishes to all the Catechists since the day was also observed as Catechists Day in the Diocese of Kohima, informed a press release from Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Bishop’s Secretary, Kohima. In his homily, the Bishop said the feast of Christ the King was established and proclaimed by the Pope Pious XI to reassert the sovereignty of Christ over all forms of government and to remind Christians of the fidelity and loyalty they owed to Christ, “who by his incarnation and sacrificial death on the cross made us all both adopted children of God and future citizens and heirs of the kingdom of heaven.” The Bishop stated that Christ is “a king with a saving liberating mission: freeing us from all types of bondage, enabling us to live peacefully and happily on earth, and promising us an inheritance in the eternal life of heaven.” As loyal subjects of Christ the King, he added, “we are invited to treat others with justice and compassion as Jesus did, especially those whom we consider the least important. Jesus expects a higher degree of love from His followers.” On the occasion, he urged the congregation to resolve to give Christ the central place in our lives and promise to obey his commandment of love by sharing what we have with all his needy children. The community also honored the two full time catechists of the parish with a song and cash awards. Meanwhile, the Bishop after the Holy Mass blessed and inaugurated the newly constructed women teachers’ quarters. St. Francis Xavier's Catholic Church Kidima also observed Christ the King feast. Reverend Father Raymond D’ Souza SJ, Director of Eden Garden, Khuzama in his homily stated that the Lord Jesus Christ is the king of the universe. The worldly kingdom comes and fades away, but Jesus Christ lives forever, the Father said. He also emphasized in his sermon that true Christians have to live with love, holiness, justice and uphold peaceful coexistence. The church also offered special prayer for the Catechists.
