Dimapur, June 27 (EMN): A three-day diocesan vocation camp was held at St. Xavier’s Parish, Meluri, from June 23 - 25. The camp was organised for students from Classes VII to XII comprising both boys and girls in which 100 selected students sent from Pungro, Razeba, Chizami, Lozaphuhu and Meluri attended the camp.
Rev. Fr. Jose Lukose, parish priest of St. Xavier’s Parish, Meluri, gave a cordial welcome to the young campers and made them feel at home, while Rev. Fr. Victor Renthungo, vocation promoter, Diocese of Kohima, set the tone to the programme. Rev. Renthungo said, every Christian has a “call” which is precious, saying “Before you were formed in your mother’s womb I knew you” (Jer 1:4). Stating that vocation is a personal call from God, he recommended children to pray, reflect and discern the will of God.
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Parish priests and participants at the three-day diocesan vocation camp held at St. Xavier’s Parish, Meluri, from June 23 – 25.[/caption]
Rev. Fr. Peter Solo, briefed on the topic ‘Vocation in the local church.’ Sharing from his personal life, he said to become a cheerful giver is the reason of one’s life.
Rev. Fr. Loyola Antony spoke on the topic ‘Prayer’ in which he highlighted on three types: Prayer of praise, Prayer of petition and Prayer of intercession.
Speaking on ‘Mission in the church,’ Rev. Fr. Fr. Gideon SJ, expounded on the word “mission” means being “sent.” He said the church is “sent into the world to continue the works of Jesus Christ.” He listed the works of Jesus Christ such as preaching, teaching, healing, and acts of charity and justice.
Rev. Fr. Patrick Neikhalo, parish priest of Sacred Heart Church, Chizami, was the main celebrant of the Holy Mass on June 24. In his homily, Fr. Patrick enlightened the boys and girls to answer the call of God. He exhorted the gathering comparing with the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ as the response to the “Humble” call of God.
Rev. Fr. Matilda UFC, while addressing on ‘Vocation to holiness’ said that there is the divinity of God within a person since human being is made in the image and likeness of God.
Rev. Fr. Benjamin Chang spoke on ‘A consecrated life brings joy to the family.’ He said that worldly things and its attractions are short lived and will perish sooner or later but doing God’s will bring true happiness and joy to all.
Rev. Fr. Jose Lukose, parish priest of St. Xavier, Meluri, in his homily said Jesus wants us to certify our life by witnessing him. He said only people with total commitment and willingness to sacrifice their lives can win the world for Him.
The camp ended with Marian procession and a get together, where varieties of items were presented by the groups.