Kohima, April 11 (MExN): The Presbyterium (all the priests serving in the diocese) of the diocese of Kohima along with religious sisters and laity representative of the diocese gathered in the Cathedral Church here to celebrate the Chrism Mass cum Priesthood Day on April 11.
Normally the celebration is held on Holy Thursday; however, for practical reasons, in Kohima diocese, the celebration is held on Tuesday of the Holy Week in order to facilitate the priests to get back to their own parishes and centres for the Holy Thursday celebrations with their flock, stated a press release from Rev. Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Secretary to Bishop.
The Chrism Mass, according to the release, is a key moment in which the unity of the Bishop with his priest (together they form the presbyterate) is manifested and renewed. The day is known as Priesthood Day because following the action of Christ at the Last Supper, where he instituted the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood, the priests renew their vow of obedience to the bishop and their commitment to serve God’s people, it added.
It is also the day in which Holy oils, namely oil of the Sick, oil of the Catechumen and oil of the Chrism are blessed by the bishop. These oils are used for the celebration of the different sacraments in the Catholic Church.
Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, the bishop of diocese of Kohima presided over the Eucharistic celebration. He centred his homily on the 10 pivotal challenges Holy Father Pope Francis highlighted in his document, ‘Evangelium Gaudium’, namely challenge of anchoring the priesthood on intimate relationship with Christ, Being a merciful shepherd being close to the people, seeking to live a modest lifestyle and being available, admitting one’s limitations and being a model of integrity, exuding joy in ministry, being committed to quality preaching, carefully monitoring any clerical position or power one possess, building on the popular piety of the people, being genuinely sensitive to those on the ‘fringe’ and margins and being genuine missionary disciples.
The Bishop also thanked all the priests. “Today I want to thank you all, my brother priests, for your faithfulness in priesthood and commitment in ministry.” Despite many problems and difficulties, he stated, they continue to carry out the ministry of the Church with great dedication.
He also exhorted the lay faithful to love their priests. “On this day, I request our laity to continue with great measure your love for priests. Let us give all support possible to our priests in their ministry.”
At the end of the Liturgical celebration, the laity organised a felicitation programme to express their gratitude and appreciation to the priests. In the programme, Dr. Simon Dzüvichü, president of Catholic Association of Nagaland dwelt on the depth and beauty of priestly vocation by quoting saint John Mary Vianney who said, “Without priest, the passion and death of our Lord would be on no avail. It is the priest who continues the work of redemption on earth.” He concluded by thanking the fathers for their great sacrifice and playing an important role in all the moments of life, birth, marriage, death, triumphs and struggles.
While giving tribute to the priests, Vilanuo Angela, president of Nagaland Catholic Women Association thanked God for the institution of priesthood through which he constantly nourishes the faithful. “Thank you (priests) for being our model, teacher and guide in spite of numerous difficult moments which you encounter everyday,” she added.
The release mentioned that over 100 priests, a large gathering of religious sisters and faithful took part in the solemn yearly celebration.
On April 10, the presbyterium of the diocese of Kohima gathered together for a meeting to discuss matters concerning the ministry and life of the priests. Rev. Fr. Joseph Mappilaparampil CMF from Guwahati also addressed the priests in connection to eye donation. In the evening the same day, the diocesan fraternity gathered together for a meeting.
Prior to the Chrism Mass, the morning of April 11 was spent in prayer and reflection. Rev. Fr. Philip Abraham, Parish priest of Holy Family Parish, Pfutsero shared the reflection to help the priests prepare for sacrament of reconciliation and the Chrism Mass.
