Lakhuti, January 17 (MExN): The Platinum Jubilee celebrations marking 75 years of St Mary’s Catholic Church, Lakhuti, in Wokha district commenced on January 16 and will conclude on January 18, organisers said.
As part of the opening day observances, a Special Cover Envelope was released on the evening of January 16 at Lakhuti, following the blessing of the Jubilee campus and the formal inauguration of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The cover was released by Echungthung Yanthan, Assistant Director of Postal Services, and assisted by MD Nazir, Assistant Superintendent of Post Offices.
The occasion was made especially significant by the presence of Marcus Humtsoe, Augustine Humtsoe and Amos Yanthan, descendants of the early torchbearers of the Catholic faith in Lakhuti village.
Their forebears—Chenisao Peter Humtsoe, Shanpano Zechariah Humtsoe and Yantsao Lucas Yanthan—were among the first villagers to embrace the Gospel, laying the spiritual foundation of the Catholic Church in Lakhuti.
Rev Fr Benjamin Chang, Parish Priest and Convener of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, was present along with parishioners, invited guests and delegates from various places.
Established on April 12, 1951, St Mary’s Catholic Church, Lakhuti, holds a unique place in the history of the Catholic Church in Nagaland. From its humble beginnings in a rural setting, the parish grew into a vital centre for the spread of the Catholic faith and education in the region. The pioneering efforts of the early converts enabled the Church to take root and flourish, contributing significantly to social, spiritual and educational development across Nagaland.
The Platinum Jubilee is being celebrated under the theme, “Thy Kingdom come, O Lord” (Matthew 6:10), calling upon the faithful to renew their commitment to Gospel values, service and unity.
Special Cover Envelopes hold particular significance in philately as they document local history, faith and cultural identity in a permanent form. Printed only once and in limited numbers, such covers attract keen interest among philatelists across the country. Selected copies of the Jubilee Special Cover will be preserved at the National Archives in New Delhi and at Philately Centres across India.
The Jubilee celebrations will conclude with a solemn and festive thanksgiving celebration on January 18, marking 75 years of faith, perseverance and grace in the life of the Church and the people of Lakhuti.
