Dimapur, January 22 (MExN): It was a special day for the catholic community in Songlhuh Village when its newly built St. Joseph Church was dedicated and opened for worshiping on January 21. Songlhuh is a village in the Peren district of Nagaland, under Athibung Circle.
It was blessed by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima and inaugurated by Lithrila Sangtam, EAC Ahthibung in the presence of Village GBs, Chairman, and community representative from Jalukie, Kohima, and Dimapur. The Bishop also blessed and inaugurated the Grotto. Rev. Fr. Sunny Joseph, Vice Principal St. Joseph’s Jakhama College unveiled the Church Monolith.
The Bishop, in his introduction, congratulated Frs. Anthonysamy, John Vipral, Jose Sebastian, and George Punnolil who helped with planning and drawing and others like the contractor and the catholic community in constructing such a beautiful church.
In his sermon, the Bishop referring to the Bible on how the Jewish people took pride in the temple of Jerusalem but makes only empty ritual urged the congregation make the building a spiritual church- a living church. People should come to the church to worship the living God. To build self as a spiritual temple every day, Bishop said adding while building of material physical church is over; there is a task for building the spiritual church - the real Church.
The living church is still in the process, opined Rev. Dr. Thoppil further urging the community “To build ourselves as true and genuine Church, where God dwells every moment.
Earlier, Rev. Fr. John Vipral, Asst. Priest welcomed all those gathered for the occasion on behalf of the Parish Priest and community. Other highlights of the day included a felicitation programme by L. William; short speeches by Bishop James, Fr. Anthonysamy, and the GB of Songlhuh; duet from Esther and Jenny; and special songs from St. Xavier’s, Seminary, Jalukie Town Youth Association. It concluded with vote of thanks by James Khupsieh followed by a community meal. This was stated in a press note from the .Bishop’s Secretary, Fr. Thomas Toretkiu.
