A Thanksgiving Holy Mass was held at St. Mary’s Church, Anatongre Village on Sunday to honour Rev Sr Catherine Tsumongshe, UFS, the first religious nun from the village and the second from the entire Tikhir tribe.
ANATONGRE, MAY 4 (MExN): A Thanksgiving Holy Mass was held at St. Mary’s Church, Anatongre Village on Sunday to honour Rev Sr Catherine Tsumongshe, UFS, the first religious nun from the village and the second from the entire Tikhir tribe.
The solemn celebration was officiated by Rev Fr Philip Magh, Parish Priest of St Peter’s Parish, Kiphire, and concelebrated by eight priests from various parishes and centres. The event witnessed participation from delegates representing villages, towns, catechists, village councils, public leaders, and other officials.
Sr Catherine, born to Yutsumong Joseph and Yangchola, is the fifth of six siblings. She completed her early education at Loyola Higher Secondary School, Kiphire. In 2019, after completing her HSLC, she joined the Ursuline Franciscan Congregation and later pursued her higher secondary education at Assisi Hr. Sec. School. She entered pre-novitiate in 2022 and novitiate in 2023.
Her religious motto is drawn from Isaiah 43:4: “To love Jesus and do everything for His glory.”
In his reflection, Rev Fr Thomas Toretkiu cited John 21:6, highlighting Sr Catherine’s response to her divine calling and her role in bringing spiritual blessings to her family, tribe, and village. “Her greatest weapon will be prayer,” he said, wishing her a fulfilling ministry in service of the Church.
Earlier, Rev Fr Philip welcomed the congregation, and Rev Sr Lucy SABS gave the commentary for the ceremony. The Catholic Women Association led the choir during the Mass. A felicitation programme followed, moderated by Madam Maria, with an invocation from Rev Sr Arila Angela and welcome address by Edward Yangthong, catechist at St Mary’s Church.
The programme included congratulatory songs, a cake-cutting ceremony, and speeches from the Village Council Chairman, Dr Fr Obed Yimchunger (Vice Principal, St Joseph’s College, Jakhama), and Thomas Kiumusu, Church Secretary, St Peter’s Church, Kiphire.
Sr Catherine expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support and encouragement she received. The event concluded with a community thanksgiving meal.
