Dimapur, January 10 (MExN): St Xavier's Catholic Church Zhavame Golden Jubilee cum Church Dedication under the Parish of St. Ignatius, Razeba, Phek District was held from January 8-10 at Zhavame Local Ground under the theme, “Be filled with the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19).
Most Reverend Dr James Thoppil, DD, Bishop of Kohima was the Main Celebrant at the event.
Addressing the occasion, Dr James Thoppil asked the faithful people to reflect the sentiment of gratitude and repentance before the Holy Mass celebration.
With God, everything is possible, Thoppil opined adding that, “Church is the physical and material magnificent and the faithful people are the spiritual and living Church and the temple of God.”
Nagaland Home Minister, Y Patton, who was the Cultural Guest at the occasion urged the gathering to protect and preserve cultural heritage and traditional activities for social values.
Catholic Church dedication in Zhavame was not only purifying the village but is also giving a sense of inspiration for the people, Patton maintained.
Further mentioning the rich cultural heritage, the Home Minister expressed hope that the tourism industry can provide alternatives for employment apart from the government.
Parliamentary Secretary, Higher & Technical Education, Deo Nukhu, who was the Special Guest asked Christians to live in honesty, truthfulness and hard work.
Hailing from Zhavame, Nukhu recalled the history of Catholic faith in the village and likened it to the story of Apostle St Paul who suffered from varied persecution for practicing and professing his faith.
Elias T. Lotha, Transport Commissioner, Government of Nagaland, who is also President of Catholic Association Nagaland (CAN) greeted the Parishioners in the name of laity of Nagaland in the joyful celebration for their great show of faith.
During the occasion, 54 children also received their First Communicant. Other highlights of the event included Folk tune by Mothers’ of St. Xavier’s Church, Zhavame; Cultural dance by St Mary Parish, Lozaphuhu, St Xavier’s Parish, Meluri, and St Aloysius Church, Tungjoy; Rosary prayer; Eucharist celebration; Choir from Christ King Church, Kohima Village, Christ King Church, Liyai Parish and St Xavier’s Catholic Church, Zhavame.
Different denominations, Associations, congregation from neighbouring villages and states, Parishes, priests, and nuns joined in the three days celebration, a press note received here informed.
