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Dimapur, May 28 (EMN): Akiko McDonald, chairman of Burma Campaign Society, joined the feast of Mary Help of Christians- the patroness of the Cathedral Church and the Diocese of Kohima, cum Sisterhood Day on May 28.
Bishop of Kohima, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, was the main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist and con-celebrated by Rev. Frs. Carolus Neisalhou, Vicar General, Johny, Principal of St. Mary’s Cathedral School, Sabu Channekal, Thomas Toretkiu, Anthony Loyalaand Victor Renthungo. Around 80 sisters participated in the celebration and 55 children received the sacrament of the first Holy Communion.
Parish priest, Fr. Carolus accorded the words of welcome to sisters, parents of the first communicants, president and colleagues of the Catholic Association of Nagaland, Nagaland Catholic Women’s Association and Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement, Akiko McDonald and her team and all the invited guests.
In his homily, the Bishop explained the significance of the Feast of the Ascension. Terming the feast as ‘feast of hope,’ he said observance of the feast gives the Christians philosophy of life. He said the feast reminds us that we are in relationship with each other and we are to love and help each other.
Quoting scripture from the gospel of Mathew 28:19 “Go into the entire world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation,” he emphasised on two important aspects - a mission to engage in until he returns in glory that is “to live a life of Christian joy in the presence of the ascended Lord” and the assurance of His divine assistance in the carrying out of this mission with the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. He said this can be realised in living the hope, faith, forgiveness, mercy, redemption and love. The most important of these missions is the command, according to him, is “Be my witnesses to the ends of the earth,” he added.
The Bishop thanked all the Sisters in the diocese for their dedicated and devoted services, even in the most remote areas. He applauded the selfless services of the Sisters in the field of health, education, catechesis and family apostolate. He assured them of his prayerful support. He also acknowledged the presence of Akiko McDonald, for being part of the celebration and made a special mention of the Certificate of Acknowledgment granted to the Diocese of Kohima by the Ambassador of Japan on the May 20 at Imphal.
Akiko McDonald, shared her personal reflection on the post effect of the Second World War on the theme “Why I was born a girl or why am I alive? She said this question has been a force in her to study and research the events of the Second World War that happened in Manipur – Nagaland region. She recalled the words of her daddy who said, “I didn’t get hit by bullets, its Heaven’s will.”
She also expressed gratitude to the Diocese of Kohima for promoting the memory of the Japanese by praying for souls of the soldiers who laid their lives in the battle.
Special songs were presented by first communicants, Cathedral Catholic Youth Association and Cathedral Angami Youth Association respectively.
Vihoto Marcus, vice president of CAN, appreciated the Sisters working in the diocese for their committed life and service.
Gifts were presented to sisters by the diocese and by the CAN. Rev. Sr. Harsha, a representative from Sisters, thanked all for organising a beautiful and meaningful programme and proposed words of gratitude.