DIMAPUR, MARCH 19 (MExN): The feast of St. Joseph was celebrated at Chumukedima parish on March 19 with the Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima as the main celebrant and a very large gathering of the people.
14 priests concelebrated with the Bishop. The Solemn Eucharistic procession, in a float in the shape of a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, started soon after the Holy Mass and concluded with solemn blessing with the most holy Eucharist at St. Anthony’s campus, Tenyiphe. During the celebration 56 faithful and 30 Children received the sacrament of Confirmation and First Holy communion respectively.
Rev. Fr. Sajan, Parish Priest, Chumukedima accorded the words of welcome to the Bishop, Priests, sisters, people from the sub-centres such as St. Anthony's Church, Tenyiphe, Holy family church, Nagaland police, Christ the King church, Selouphe, St. Mary's Church, Singrijang, St Mary's Church, Deizephe, St. Paul Church, Razaphe, Holy Spirit Church, Vidima, St. Thomas Church, Zutovi, Infant Jesus church, Seithekema and St. Joseph Parish, Chumukedima, and to all the invited guests and faithful from other parishes.
Bishop, in the introduction wished the parish community a very happy feast of their patron saint, St. Joseph. In his homily Bishop refering to the reading of the day said that by taking saint’s name at baptism one is linked spiritually with the saint, who not only intercedes for the person but also becomes a model to be imitated. He stated that the three virtues that can be highlighted in St. Joseph were his docility to God’s plan, sensitivity to people’s feeling and readiness to undergo hardships to carry out God’s plan.
Rev. Fr. Mathew Rhamben, Priest in-charge, Longsa, in his message at the end of the Eucharistic procession said that St. Joseph, was a just, faithful and humble foster father of Jesus who carried out the will and plan of God in happiness. He urged faithful to trust totally in God and do God’s will. “St. Joseph was an open person and before him any type of “ism” will stand no ground and “ism” should not be a hindrance to our growth towards Christ. The Catholic Church promotes universality and brotherhood of all people and all are invited to it to worship God in oneness and fellowship,” he added.
The hymns for the day were sung by the Choir of St. Joseph’s Chumukedima, GSS brothers and novices. The band by the students of Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School, Diphu added variety and gaiety to the Eucharistic procession. During the Eucharistic process prayer of blessing was said and holy water sprinkled on every house on the way side, decorated with lighted candles, Crucifix, and bible placed at the table.
At the end of the celebration, vote of thanks was proposed by Ashuli Joseph, Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council, St. Joseph’s Parish, Chumukedima. Rev. Fr. Mathew Thuniampral, Director Shalom, graced the meal which was shared by all.
