Bishop of Kohima and priests with Confirmation candidates during the celebration on December 20.
KOHIMA, DECEMBER 21 (MExN): St Francis Xavier Catholic Church Kidima celebrated its 50 years Golden Jubilee on December 20.
Most Reverend Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima was main celebrant along with Reverend Father Raymond D’Souza SJ, a pioneer of Jesuit mission in North East India.
Most Rev Dr James Thoppil in the homily asked the large gathering faithful to give gratitude to God for the pioneers and their sacrifices for Catholic faith mission. He said St Joseph College, Jakhama was a great blessing for the village.
Father Raymond D’Souza SJ in the Jubilee message shared how the catechism was taught in the village with a video slide show. He informed that Phewheho William from Jakhama accompanied the catechism in Kidima and recalled that their mission tour in the village in 1970.
The Jesuits mission pioneers were Fathers Stany Coelho, Ligouri Castelino and the only surviving Father Raymond D’Souza SJ (then Karnataka Province).
Welcome addressed was delivered by Reverend Fr Siby John, Parish Priest of Kidima.
The gospel was read out by Reverend Fr Victor D’Mello SJ, former Resident Priest (2009- 2010) Mission Centre of Kidima. Prayer of the faithful was led by Tenyisele Helena. The offertory procession was enthralled with folk song followed by religious brothers and nuns from the village first Communicants and lighting of 50 candles representing 50 years of Catholic faith sowed in the village.
Earlier the Jubilee monolith was blessed by the Bishop and unveiled by Father Raymond D’Souza, Director of Eden Garden and Children’s Home, Khuzama.
Release of Jubilee souvenir was done by first Parish Priest, Father PJ Thomas. Jubilee greeting was shared by Keyolevo Augustine, President of Kidima Catholic Union. The Kidima Catholic Youth Association choir was led by Zayiekhoto Benedict and Kelevito Carolus.
