Reverend Deacon Zubemo Thomas Odyuo with Most Revered Dr James Thoppil and others after the programme on December 28 at Bhandari. (Photo Courtesy: Kohima Diocese)
Wokha, December 28 (MExN): Reverend Deacon Zubemo Thomas Odyuo, the 6th Priest from Sacred Heart Parish, Bhandari was ordained on December 28 by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima.
Deacon Zubemo Thomas clad in traditional attire was welcomed by the Catholic community to the Sacred Heart Church, stated a press release from Fr. Victor Renthungo Bishop’s Secretary, Kohima.
The programme was anchored by Rev. Fr. Philip Yanpvuthung, Dean Studies of Good Shepherd Seminary, while Rev. Fr. Pappusamy, the Parish Priest, accorded words of welcome to the gathering which included invited guests, government officials and Village Chairman, dignitaries, Priests and Sisters from different parishes and other participants.
Bishop in his introduction said that it is a red letter day for the Catholic Community of Sacred Heart Parish, to the diocese of Kohima and for Deacon Zubemo because he will be ordained a priest, and set apart and consecrated to God’s work and his mission. “He had been preparing himself for this day for the last thirteen or more years and from now on he will be called Fr. Thomas and will assume a new role and identity – the role and identity of a catholic priest,” the Bishop stated.
Bishop further said that the primary duty of a priest is to lift up Jesus just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert that those who looked upon it were saved. He explained the prophetic, pastoral and priestly role of a priest, saying “once ordained the Priest is a marked man.” The bishop exhorted Deacon Zubemo to remember that it is to be his life work to lift up Jesus Christ before men, so that he may draw them unto him. To be a good priest is the hardest work and the most glorious work on earth. It takes abundant love and the most patient love, and it takes hard work, the Bishop exhorted and added that above all else it takes prayer. The true priest lives no longer for himself, but solely to the end that he may hold up the Crucified before men. Bishop further acknowledged the family and relatives of Fr. Thomas Zubemo for offering him to God and to the Church.
Earlier at the felicitation programme, congratulation song was presented by the parish choir, Yantsuthung Yanthan presented special song, speeches from the Bishop, Bhandari Church member, and family representative were given. Rev. Fr. Thomas, the newly ordained Priest expressed gratitude to all. Regina Kithan anchored the felicitation programme.
