DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 4: Coinciding with the canonisation of Mother Teresa at St. Peter’s Square, Rome, the diocesan celebration was held at Holy Cross Hall, Dimapur, on September 4 which was presided by the Bishop of Kohima, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil.
Thousands of faithful took part in the celebration that included large number of sisters of Mother Teresa, Elias and Johnny- president and secretary of Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN)- along with other office bearers, Ms. Angela Vilanuo, president of Nagaland Catholic Women Association (NCWA), and her collogues, Miss Regina Razousinuo, president of Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) and other office bearers, many dignitaries and invited quests including C Apok Jamir, Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism, Peter Lichamo, team leader Bamboo mission, many sisters of different religious congregation and catholic faithful from the various parishes in Nagaland and particularly of the three parishes in Dimapur.
Bishop James Thoppil, in his homily, said September 4 will go down in the annals of the nation as red letter day, when Pope Francis canonise Mother Teresa of Kolkata as a saint for veneration, imitation and intercession. She will now be called “Saint Mother Teresa of Kolkata,” adding another title to her already existing 20 titles such as the Angel of Mercy, Saint of the Gutters, the Icon of Peace, the Smiling nun etc, the Bishop said.
“The canonisation of Mother Teresa invites us to look to her as a Christian hero, an outstanding model of the Christian life. We can say in truth that since Mahatma Gandhi, India has not produced a person of such stature and global recognition as Mother Teresa of Kolkata, who, though small in stature stands out globally as a giant of a person in her service of humanity, especially to the least and the last, the abandoned and lost,” the Bishop said. He added that her elevation to sainthood has a much wider impact and influence for better, on a global society that is steeped in varied forms of evil, human degradation and depravity in every sphere of human life.
The theme of the canonisation “Carrier of God’s tender and merciful love” was chosen with the desire to place Mother Teresa, with her example and message, directly and clearly in the context of the extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. Mother Teresa spoke of love, gave love, lived love and taught us to sow seeds of love. Mother Teresa insisted that “love cannot remain still. It has to get into action and that action is service.” This service traditionally is called spiritual and corporal works of mercy, which all the faithful are called upon to do in this Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Bishop said as the church wishes to present Mother Teresa as an icon of the Father’s mercy, her words and example will urge all to become generous servants and to reflect the “face” of God’s mercy to those around us. As Mother Teresa’s face radiated God’s tender and merciful love, the Bishop wished that we too become reflections of His tender mercy through our loving actions.
In conclusion, the Bishop quoted Mother Teresa saying “What I can do, you cannot; what you can do, I cannot; but together we can do something beautiful for God.”
Rev. Sr. Ancicilia, Missionary of Charity (MC) welcomed all to the celebration and gave a short introduction of Mother Teresa, followed by unveiling of portrait of Mother Teresa by the Bishop. Rev. Sr. Godelaine MC, Superior, Dimapur, and Garnish lighted the candle before the picture representing the Missionaries of Charity and the poor of the poor respectively. Rev. Sr. Mamata, MC, and Fr. Philip Magh, Assistant Priest, proposed vote of thanks on behalf of the Mother Teresa sisters and the parish community.
Fr. Philip said that Fr. Thomas, the parish priest, will take part in the celebration in Rome as the diocesan representative.
