Presbyterium during the celebration of Chrism Mass cum Priesthood Day at Cathedral Church, Kohima.
Dimapur, March 28 (MExN): The Presbyterium (all the priests serving in the diocese) of the Diocese of Kohima, along with religious sisters and representative laity of the diocese gathered in the Cathedral Church, the mother church of the diocese, to celebrate the Chrism Mass cum Priesthood Day.
A press note issued by Fr. Sojan Xavier, Spokesperson, Diocese of Kohima stated that in his homily, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, explained, “at the heart of this evening’s liturgy is the blessing of the holy oils”. He extensively dwelt on the historicity and the significance of the holy oil in the life of the baptized, confirmed, ordained Christians. In the second part of his homily, the bishop focused on the ministry of priests and recalled how Jesus at the hour of Last Supper, instituted the New Testament priesthood.
He also said, “it is a day in which with great gratitude for the vocation and with humility for all shortcoming, we renew at this our ‘yes’ to the Lord’s call; yes, I want to be intimately united to the Lord Jesus, in self-denial, driven on by the love of Christ.” He also exhorted the congregation to love their priests, pray for them, and appreciate them for their commitment and dedication.
At the end of the Liturgical celebration, the CAN (Catholic Association of Nagaland) under the leadership of Nosazol Charles and his colleagues organised a short but significant programme to express their appreciation for the dedicated service rendered by the priests in the diocese.
Lucas Meyese representing the whole lay faithful of Nagaland recalled the pioneering priests who toiled and ventured to the unknown land of the Nagas with the sole aim to save souls by spreading the Gospel of the Lord. He also appreciated the many devoted priests working across the length and breadth, nook and corner of the state of Nagaland, by setting up parishes, centres, and institutions etc. with the same goal of saving the people physically and above all spiritually. As an expression of love, the NCWA (Nagaland Catholic Women Association) and the NCYM (Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement) shared gifts to all priests. Fr. Loyola Anthony, the secretary of Diocesan Fraternity, thanked Nosazol Charles and his team for the felicitation programme, the sisters, the youth and the laity for the assistance rendered in organising a meaningful liturgy. Earlier, Rev. Fr. John S. Kavas, the parish priest, extended welcome to one and all. The day ended with a delicious dinner.
Over 100 priests, a large gathering of religious sisters and faithful took part in this solemn yearly celebration. The Diocese of Kohima, along with the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil and all the priests thanked the laity for coming forward to felicitate and appreciate the priests for their services.
