Dimapur, April 8 (EMN): Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima made a visit to District Jail Kohima on April 8. He was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Bishop’s Secretary; Sr. Mariam, FMA, Sr. Regina, FMA, Sr. Veronica, FCC, Rev. K. Kenye, Chaplin, District Jail, Kohima. They conducted prayer service for the inmates and prayed with them.
In his address to the prisoners, the Bishop wished them Happy Easter and said that God’s mercy is unlimited. He said Easter is the celebration of God’s infinite mercy.
Citing from the gospel of St. John “God so loved the world that He gave us his son” and the story of the adulterous woman, he said God understands us and loves us individually. “God wait for our return and embraces us when we turn to him. Let us celebrate Easter with this attitude of gratitude to God for his love and of repentance and return to the God of love,” the bishop exhorted.
Rev. Fr. Thomas, while giving the gist of the homily of the bishop also exhorted the audience in Nagamese saying ‘forgiveness is one of the most wonderful abilities that human beings have. “People are not perfect. We all make mistakes, but the good thing is that we are able to forgive and move on” he added.
Special song, prayers and bible readings were performed by the inmates while Bishop James pronounced benediction.
Bishop also presented small gifts to all the inmates.
It may be mentioned that as part of the CBCI Commission for Prison Ministry in India, the CRI units in Kohima and Dimapur visits the Prison at least once a month to pray with and for the inmates and help them in their immediate needs. Sr. Mariam, FMA, from Little Flower School, the coordinator of Prison Ministry in Kohima.
