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New ACU office bearers along with Dr. James Thoppil and others pose for a group photo on January 13 at St . Clare Higher Secondary School, Phevima Dimapur.[/caption]
Dimapur, Jan. 14 (EMN): The second leaders meet cum 11th convention of the Angami Catholic Union (ACU) held on the theme "Rooted and build up in Christ" (Col: 2:7) culminated with eucharistic celebration on January 13 at St. Clare Higher Secondary School, Phevima Kacharigoan in Dimapur.
Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima Diocese, presided over the Eucharist along with many priests concelebrating the Holy Mass on January 13.
Delivering his homily, James Thoppil stated that the day is celebrated to mark the feast of baptism of the Lord signifying the end of Christmas season and the beginning of the Liturgical year.
"Today's feast reminds us of our own baptism," the bishop said and added that on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord it is good for us to reflect on our own responses to our baptismal promises.
Also speaking on the occasion, Dr. James reminded the gathering to ask themselves if they are living by the values and principles of Jesus. “If we have ignored Him, let us repent and seek His mercy and grace to live an authentic Christian life," Dr. James exhorted the gathering.
"The Baptism of the Lord is a great feast celebrated in the church because it is the occasion of the first public revelation of all the Three Persons in the Holy Trinity, and the official revelation of Jesus as the Son of God to the world by God the Father. It is also an event described by all the four gospels and marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry," Dr. James said.
The celebrant also gave examples on how John the Baptist led an austere life, dressed in the simplest of clothes and sustainable himself on whatever nourishment he could find in the vicinity. He stated that John made a name for himself as a man of God whereby large numbers come out to hear and be influenced by him.
"Today should be an occasion for us to recall our own baptism and its meaning for our lives," he said while reminding that "it should a beginning of our relationship with Christ- a relationship that needs to be nurtured and developed all during our life."
"The baptism of Jesus reminds us of our baptism and gives us the opportunity to examine whether we have list Jesus in our life. It tells us our identity and mission as Christians," Dr. James added.
He reminded Jesus' baptism as a means to "experience the presence of God within us, to acknowledge our own dignity as God's children and to appreciate the divine presence in others by honouring them, loving them and serving them in all humility."
Dr. James further reminded the believers saying “Baptism was exactly what it meant for Jesus that day he stepped onto the River Jordan."
During the Mass, Dr. Kekhriesenuo Christina translated the homily of bishop into Angami.
Lhouphrevilie John, Vizomenuo Merlyn and Rev. Fr. George Keduolhou read the Word of God, while the prayer of the faithful was offered by Ahienuo Janet. Phevima Catholic Union led in the offertory procession.
Angami Catholic Youth Association choir presented special song while Kevituonyii Simon conducted the service.
A short felicitation function soon followed after the Mass wherein outgoing ACU president, Kevituonyii Simon, handed over the Constitution to the new ACU president, Lhusarovi Paul Rino.
Former ACU executives were also made to welcome the new office bearers for the tenure 2019 - 2022.
Nagaland Catholic Women Association (NCWA), Catholic Youth Movement (CYM), various churches in Phevima, sisters, priests, guests and a host of individuals were also felicitated during the function.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Nohoshil John and Lhoubizoto Reuben and the benediction was pronounced by Saku Francis.
Altogether, 523 registered delegates from all Angami inhabited areas in Kohima and Dimapur attended the three-day ACU leaders meet and convention hosted by St. Leo Catholic Church in Phevima.
