Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 27
Holy Cross Parish Dimapur celebrated its golden jubilee on Saturday with the Archbishop of Kolkata, His Grace Most Rev. Thomas D’Souza as the chief celebrant and Rev Fr PC Mani, the first parish priest of Holy Cross Parish Dimapur, as special guest.
The celebration was also graced by His Grace Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, Archbishop of Imphal; Most Rev. Paul Mattekatt, Bishop of Diphu and Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, as guests of honour. The two-day celebration commenced with prayer of blessing by the Archbishop of Imphal, followed by inauguration of the grotto by the Bishop of Diphu, Bishop of Kohima offered blessing of the jubilee monolith, which was unveiled by the Archbishop of Kolkata.
President of Catholic Association Nagaland and convenor, jubilee programme committee, Dr N Simon Dzüvichü, presided over the first session.
In second session (felicitation programme), the chief celebrant, Rev. Thomas D’Souza, in his address said that the redemption of the Cross is not only redemption from sin but also from selfishness, doubt, darkness and even sickness. D’Souza said the two lines on the cross represent relationships - vertical relationship with God and horizontal relationship with neighbours and he urged the congregation to look at the Cross and draw strength from it. Further, the archbishop commended the Catholic Church in Nagaland for being “youthful and lively.”
Rev. Dominic Lumon and Rev Dr James Thoppil conveyed jubilee greetings on the occasion. Besides the chief celebrant, special guest and guests of honour, a host of priests, catechists, sisters and pioneers of the parish were also felicitated on the occasion.
Other highlights of the felicitation programme included a visual presentation of history of Holy Cross Parish by assistant parish priest and principal, Holy Cross HSS, Rev Fr Philip Magh, release of jubilee souvenir by Rev Fr PC Mani, presentation of jubilee anthem by the jubilee choir, folk song by Angami community, war dance by Garo troupe, folk dance by Rongmei community and special number by Holy Cross CYA.
Earlier, vice president, Parish Council & co-convenor, Planning Committee, E Thomas Kikon, delivered welcome address and secretary, Parish Council, Liangsi Niumai John, proposed vote of thanks. Vicar general, Kohima Diocese, Rev Fr Neisalhou Carolus, pronounced the concluding prayer. The jubilee Eucharistic celebration and feast will be held on Sunday.
