Dimapur, April 16 (EMN): Christians across the State celebrated ‘Easter’- the resurrection of Jesus Christ on April 16. In words of St. Augustine, it is the festival of all festivals.
Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, presided over the vigil service at the Cathedral Church, Kohima, and was the main celebrant at Holy Cross, Dimapur, for the Easter day mass.
The vigil service, which has four segments, began with the blessing and lighting of new fire, from which the Paschal candle was lit, symbolising the divine life of Jesus which was not destroyed on the cross. Bishop explained the meaning of the variety of symbols used in the liturgy. The paschal candle represents the body, while the five grains inserted on to the candle symbolises the five wounds of Christ.
Later, the faithful proceeded to the church in procession led by bishop with the lighted paschal candle, symbolising Christ as the new leader to lead all people to God.
The great Easter Proclamation was sung by Rev. Fr. Richard followed by three readings from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. After the reading of Old Testament, Gloria was sung, alter candles were lit and the church bell was rang symbolising resurrection of Christ.
After the homily, the bishop blessed the water to signify purification of life and administered the renewal of baptismal promises which was followed by baptism of the new members and the Eucharistic celebration.
Bishop said Easter is the foundation and the source and reason of Christian faith. He quoted St. Paul saying, ‘If Christ has not risen, then we are still in our sins and our faith is in vain.’
The bishop, in homily, said we must not seek Christ in the graves of the dead, not even among the great men covered with dust by the time, which we call history but to seek Him among the living.
‘Let us seek Him because Christ is the God of the living and not of the dead,’ the bishop said.
The bishop said Jesus has called us out of the darkness and death and given each of us the ability to make his presence real for others. He also said our lives have meaning, purpose and beauty when they are united to His life. He concluded with ‘Happy Easter’ greetings to all.
Rev. Fr. Carolus and Thomas PJ, parish priests, accorded words of welcome to the bishop in their respective parishes.
Meanwhile, St Xavier’s Catholic Church Kidima observed Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday with Rev. Fr. Raymond D’Souza SJ, Director of Eden Garden and Children’s Home, Khuzama, and Rev. Fr. Sojan, Chancellor of Diocese of Kohima cum Director of Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM), as main celebrant on April 16.
Rev. Fr. Raymond D’Souza SJ led the Easter Vigil procession from Azalo (the traditional place of ox fighting competition of the Kidima village) to the church.
Fr. D’ Souza SJ, in his homily, said obedience to God is a blessing and disobedience to God will lead to disaster. He asked the faithful to rejoice for the risen lord and make a new life with Christ. Fr. D’Souza SJ also asked the faithful to be the light for others.
Rev. Fr. Sojan said the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ was the hope for all who believed in him. He said life on earth is a pilgrimage where we must remain faithful to inherit eternal life. He said Easter is a feast free from pain, sorrow and hope.
Confession, making Easter fire, blessing of the holy water, sprinkle of holy water to faithful peoples, singing of Gloria and Alleluia, baptism to 12 members including infants, reception of Apostolic faith of Catholic church, renewal of baptism, special number presentation by Kidima Catholic Youth Association (KCYA) and Kenokhonu and friends were other highlights of the celebration.
In another programme, Assam Rifles Training Centre and School (ARTC&S) Church observed the Holy Week with Rev. Dr. N Khashito Aye, senior pastor and missionary to non-Nagas, as main celebrant on Good Friday and Easter Sunday at church premises.
Significance of observing the Holy Week, symbolising the divine life of Jesus according to the Bible was preached and also conducted Lord’s Supper.
Pastor Asish Mahato said Easter was God’s victory over sin and death, washed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
