EMN
Dimapur, March 27
Christians in Nagaland celebrated Easter- resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In Cathedral Church, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, bishop of Kohima, presided over the vigil service and was the main celebrant at Christ King Church, Kohima village. The vigil service, which has four segments, began with the blessing and lighting of new fire from which the Paschal candle was lit symbolizing 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 of Christ, while the five grains inserted on to the candle symbolizes the five wounds of Christ.
Later, the faithful in procession proceeded to the church led by Bishop with the lighted Paschal Candle showing Christ as the new leader to lead all people to God.
After the homily, the bishop blessed the water and administered the renewal of baptismal promises which was followed by baptism of the new members and the Eucharistic celebration.
In both Churches, Easter egg was distributed after the Holy Mass. The bishop preached the homily taking the clue from the Easter egg.
Rev. Fr. Carolus and Salew Peter Sdb, the parish priests of the two respective parishes, accorded the warm words of welcome to bishop in their respective parishes. The youth choir in both parishes dressed in traditional attire sung melodiously and prayerfully. After the Holy Masses, Easter eggs were shared out to young and elders of the parish community and greeted each other.
St. Francis Xavier’s Church Kidima celebrated the Easter with Rev. Fr. Amalanathan Pappusamy, Principal of St. Xavier’s College, Jalukie, as main celebrant in the church premises.
Rev. Fr. Amalanathan Pappusamy said the risen Jesus Christ was the hope for every faithful as they would rise from death on the last day.
Faithful people receive the sacraments for the attainment of the peace and joy and keep hope for enrichment of the eternal life.
Way of the cross, confession, veneration, reading of the liturgy, making of new fire, Easter light procession, blessing of holy water, sprinkle of holy water to the faithful, renewal of the baptism, baptism followed by the solemn of Eucharist celebration were the highlights of the weeklong programme.
In a related programme, Railway Bazaar in Dimapur experienced Easter Sunday on a different note. The Eastern Bible College and Nagaland Real Estate came together to initiate a Sunrise Service to celebrate Easter and reach out to the needy, a place frequented mostly by non locals.
The students conducted a short service and presented some songs. Whilst the performance was on, food was distributed free to the local inhabitants. The programme was intended to be held at the parking lot in front of the railway station. It was shifted to Railway Bazaar as the railway authorities prohibited any public activities.
