Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima (2nd from L) with the newly ordained priests, Ngonyi John Dukru, SJ, David Zholia, and Avi Abraham Krocha, SJ during their priestly ordination seen with their families and priests at St. Ignatius Parish Razeba on January 7.
Morung Express News
Razeba | January 7
Three deacons from Razeba area - David Zholia from Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Zelome, Avi Abraham Krocha, SJ from St. Ignatius Parish, Razeba and Ngonyi John Dukru, SJ from St Xavier's Church, Zhavame were conferred priests today by Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima at St Ignatius Parish, Razeba.
As the deacons received the sacrament of holy orders, Rev Dr Thoppil reminded the congregation of the responsibility they were undertaking, noting that they are called to shepherd the flock by preaching the Gospel, administering the sacraments, and leading the people of God in worship and prayer.
“Remember that you are not ordained for yourself but for the sake of others, for the church and in the church. You are called to be servants of the Lord and his people to lay down your lives for the sake of the gospel,” he told the newly ordained priests.
He also expressed that the glory of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, would radiate in the church through their peaceful ministry.
In the name of the church, the Bishop also thanked the parents of the newly ordained priests, the faculty and staff of the Seminary where they finished their formation and everyone who assisted them in responding to the call of God and with undivided hearts.
Stating that their roles do not end with the ordination service, he urged the gathering to “uphold these deacons daily in your prayers so that they may discern God's plan for them.”
He advised them advised gentle correction when they stray and boost their spirits when they feel low.
The Bishop also underscored that “priesthood is the greatest blessing, a gift and a source of blessing to the family, to the church to the tribe, to the society at large.”
Congratulating them further during the felicitation programme, he commended St Ignatius Parish for producing altogether 7 priests and 22 nuns and wished great fruitfulness, great joy, and great success in their ministry.
In his greetings, Rev Fr Valerian Castelino SJ, Provincial, Kohima Province wished them a fruitful and a fulfilling priestly ministry and encouraged them to go and set the world on fire by proclaiming the word of Jesus while challenging the youths to dare.
Fr Keith Barry Martinson, SJ Pastor, Admonitor and Historian also delivered greetings on behalf of the Chinese Province and expressed gratitude especially to their parents for offering their youngest to be a priest.
“Thank you for your generosity and we hope that in the future we will have more seminarians and priests,” he added.
Fr Krocha, SJ spoke on behalf of the newly ordained priests. Mention may be made here that Krocha's diaconate ordination was earlier held at Holy Family Church, Taipei by Archbishop of Taipei in July last year.
He is fluent in Chinese having learnt the language from Mandarin Learning Chinese Cultural University, Taipei City and he will go back to China to serve in the ministry.
Highlights of the felicitation programme included vote of thanks by Stephen Dukru and concluding prayer by Rev Fr Cyprian Francis Lobo, SJ, Parish Priest, Holy Family Parish, Pfütsero while Mülirhü Teresa was the master of ceremony.
Earlier, the rite of ordination included parents blessings, calling of the candidate, presentation of the candidate, election by the Bishop and consent of the people, examination of the candidate, promise of obedience, invitation to prayer and litany of the saints.
