Kohima, January 19 (MExN): St. Francis De Sales Parish, Medziphema celebrated its Parish Feast, the feast of its patron saint, St. Francis De Sales, with solemn Holy Mass and Eucharistic procession officiated by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, the Bishop of Kohima. The Bishop, a press release informed, in his Homily said there is a close link or relationship of every parish with its patron saint. The patron saint becomes the constant intercessor for the parish community before God.
“Saints are also ordinary people who live their Christian vocation with great fidelity and commitment,” the Bishop said. “Jesus calls each believer to be saint, as St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians.” Referring to the various images in the bible such as light to the nations (Isaiah), light of the world (Jesus) Lamp of God (John the Baptist), he exhorted every Christian to be committed to the vocation God has given to them individually. He also urged the First Communicants and those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation to grow and mature through the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, Knowledge, understanding, counsel, fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord.
The whole congregation participated in the Eucharistic procession in and around the town, carrying the Holy Eucharist in a well decorated float with the accompanying singing and band from Hamren parish. Priests and religious from the neighboring parishes and delegates from every catholic village of the parish took part in the celebration, which ended with a common festival meal. The bishop also thanked Fr. Kurian, the parish priest and the parish council members for organizing such a meaningful celebration.
