Deacon Dominic Keneisalie Rülho ordained a priest of the Catholic Church at Chiephobozou town.
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DIMAPUR — The Catholic community of Chiephobozou witnessed a historic moment on December 30, 2025, as Deacon Dominic Keneisalie Rülho was ordained a priest of the Catholic Church in a solemn ceremony held at Chiephobozou town, Kohima district.
The ordination marked a significant milestone for the Diocese of Kohima, as Fr. Dominic became the first priest from Chiephobozou town, an update stated.
The Holy Mass of priestly ordination was presided over by the Bishop of Kohima, in the presence of priests, religious sisters, village and community leaders, relatives, friends, and a large gathering of faithful.
The liturgy was marked by deep reverence, joy and thanksgiving as the Church welcomed a new priest into its fold.
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In his homily, the Bishop highlighted the sacred nature of the priesthood, reminding the faithful that priesthood is not a human achievement but a divine calling and gift from God.
Drawing from the readings of the day, he said that every priest is chosen, anointed, consecrated and set apart for God’s service, just as Aaron and his sons were consecrated for priestly ministry in the Old Testament.
Quoting St. Paul, the Bishop described priests as “earthen vessels carrying a divine treasure,” emphasising that the power of priestly ministry comes not from human strength but from God Himself.
He underlined that it is God, working through the Holy Spirit in the Church, who makes a priest, even though the sacrament is mediated through the hands of a Bishop.
Reflecting on the Gospel, the Bishop reminded the newly ordained priest of his missionary responsibility to proclaim the Good News and bring God’s Kingdom to the people through priestly, prophetic and pastoral ministry.
He stressed that a priest is entrusted with sacred duties — celebrating the Eucharist, administering the sacraments, preaching the Word of God, and guiding the faithful towards salvation.
Addressing Fr. Dominic directly, the Bishop urged him to strive not merely to be a priest, but a good and faithful priest, rooted in prayer, Scripture, humility and love for God’s people.
He cautioned that while priestly powers are indelible, the personal holiness and faithfulness of a priest profoundly impact the life of the Church.
The Bishop also expressed gratitude to the family of Fr. Dominic for offering their son to the service of God and the Church, and acknowledged all those who accompanied him through years of formation — from school and seminary to philosophical and theological studies.
Following the Holy Mass, a felicitation programme was held in honour of the newly ordained priest. Representatives from the village, church organisations, family members and well-wishers offered greetings, prayers and words of encouragement, celebrating the historic occasion with cultural expressions and speeches.
“The programme reflected the joy and pride of the entire community on the gift of a priest from their midst. The event concluded with prayers for Fr. Dominic’s fruitful ministry and for God’s continued blessings upon the Church in Nagaland,” the update stated.