Dimapur, Dec 18: Stating that every believer is a ‘living church of God,’ Bishop of Kohima Rev. Dr. James Thoppil exhorted the faithful to build ‘this church’ every day for God to dwell within us.
The Bishop said this in his sermon at the inauguration of St. Peter’s Church at Lower AG Colony on December 17. The Bishop blessed the newly built St. Peter’s Church, which was inaugurated by Francis Pelevituo Solo, Commissioner and Secretary of School Education. The monolith to mark the occasion was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Linus, Rector, Oriens Theological College, Shillong.
Bishop congratulated the community for building such a beautiful and big church. Stating that building the material or physical church is not that difficult, provided one has sufficient money and man power, he reminded that the external and material church is only the manifestation of the real, true and living church i.e. Christians.
“Every physical church manifests and proclaims the presence of God and the Christian community. Every Christian by baptism is called to be the Christ bearer and should manifest Christ to others,” the bishop said.
Rev. Fr. Carolus, parish priest, welcomed the Bishop; L Dikho, MLA from Mao Constituency; Rovilatou Nicholas, DC, Kohima; Francis Pelevituo Solo; Rev. Fr. Linus; fathers and sisters, catechists from various parishes in Nagaland and delegates from DAN, NCWA, NCYM.
In a short felicitation programme, John Makhabo, said the foundation was laid on June 29 June, 2008, on the feast of St. Peter and Paul by Bishop Jose Mukala. Stating that it was a tedious journey of nine years of sweat and struggle, he thanked all those who helped to complete the magnificent church. Rev. Fr. Carolus, parish priest, released the jubilee Souvenir.
