Kohima — Commemorating the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, St. Francis de Sales (SFS) parish in Kohima town undertook a procession through the streets in the state capital with much religious fervour on Palm Sunday.
The faithful chanted prayers and sang hymns with palm leaves in their hands during the procession before entering the church to celebrate the Palm Sunday Eucharist.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Holy Week.
On reaching the church, Rev. Fr. Mathew Humtsoe celebrated the English mass at St. Francis Hall, while Rev. Fr. Vanghese Palathingal SDB, presided over Angami mass simultaneously at SFS parish.
In his sermon during the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Mathew narrated how Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judaea, gave the innocent Jesus to a yelling and demanding crowd to be crucified.
Pilate wanted to save Jesus who was blameless but he instead “washed his hands” to save his own skin thereby sentencing Christ to death who had to suffer so much, narrated Rev. Humtsoe.
In this context, the priest stated that in today’s situation too, people are unwilling to swim against the current of a corrupted society, community and world to save their skin. He cited how people tend to be selfish while playing save games for the safety of their position in society.
“We are in a way leading others to suffer from injustice and inequality,” Rev. Humtsoe said.
He questioned whether they are afraid of their family members, tribe, clan, society and community from having the audacity to bring “justice, equality and truth” in their place.
“Despite being involved in unfairness and wrongful conduct, we simply wash our hands and say I have no option,” Rev. Humtsoe added.
The celebrant, therefore, called upon the faithful to not to be blinded towards injustice but take a little more risk for impartiality, equity while standing for integrity for a more beautiful place to live in as they enter the Holy Week.
During the service at the hall, Kediseno Victoria, Hawailo John Jemu, Sarita Minj including the main celebrant took part in the ‘Passion Narration,’ while Veronica Nriame and Akiviho Stephen read the Scripture.
‘Prayer of the faithful’ was administered by Loreni Lily Patton, while the choir composed of members from the Poumai community.
As part of the Holy Week, the Holy Thursday would be observed at the parish from 5 pm onwards, while the Good Friday procession would commence at 1 pm from Old MLA Hostel junction.
The Easter Vigil would begin at 5:30 pm on Saturday followed with Easter Sunday mass at 7 am and 8 am (English) as well as Angami mass beginning at 10 am at the parish.
In a related programme, members of Christ King Church in Kohima village celebrated Palm Sunday. The main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist was Fr. Joseph sdb, parish priest of Christ King Parish, Kohima village.
In another programme, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Kidima village under the Diocese of Kohima celebrated Palm Sunday with its parish priest, Fr. Siby John, as the speaker in the church premises.
With the beginning of Holy Week, the priest asked the faithful to do confession and celebrate in a sanctified manner.
Members from Franciscan Sisters of Saint Mary of the Angels (FSMA) along with communities from neighbouring villages joined the liturgical feast.