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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 7 (EMN): Faithful in Nagaland observed the 100th anniversary formation and growth of Legion of Mary at St. Francis de Sales (SFS) Parish in Kohima town on Tuesday.
Speaking about the significance of the Legion on the occasion of its centenary celebration, an international association voluntary member of the Roman Catholic Church, Kezevio Dominic, narrated how the association, founded by Frank Duff, came into being from a humble beginning that took place at Myra House at 8 pm on September 7, 1921 in Ireland.
He informed that the Legion of Mary is now operating in 170 countries throughout the world with three million active members and many millions more auxiliary (praying) members. Dominic informed how, in November 1972, the first praesidium was introduced at Christ King Parish in Kohima village through the initiative of Niu Francis Whiso. He informed that Whiso guided few elderly people, mostly women, who came forward to be members of the association.
He added that as per the guidelines of the handbook, Rev. Fr. M Michael, the parish priest, was inducted as the spiritual director. The association was said to have started well in the parish and gradually spread to 16 parishes in Kohima, Dimapur and Wokha regions under the Kohima diocese.
During the programme, Thoppil James, bishop of Kohima diocese, celebrated Eucharist as the main celebrant later.
Delivering his sermon during the mass, Thoppil congratulated the members on completion of 100 glorious years of the association and also reminded them to continue living the Christian life "in the best possible way".
Citing various examples of Mother Mary, he reminded the believers to follow her qualities in order to walk more closer with God.
Thoppil said that Mary, who was just like all other human beings, devoted her life to God right from the time she gave birth to Christ till the time of his death.
In this regard, he asked the legionaries to replicate the examples of Mary and sanctify themselves to come closer to Christ by saying "Day by day, we should grow closer to Jesus by imitating the qualities of Mother Mary."
Petekhriezo Francis, Catechist of SFS, translated the sermon of the Bishop into Tenyidie at the event.
Earlier in the morning, the congregation sang hymns and said the Rosary.
Rükuoheü Roselyn, president of Kohima town Curia, exhorted the participants and urged the gathering on the need to carry on their activities with strong faith as the Legion of Mary turned 100 years.
Zelhoucha Sylvester gave a brief account on the primary purpose of the Legion of Mary, which is to lead people closer to Christ in order to seek God's love and mercy.
Owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the thanksgiving celebration was observed with minimal attendance by adhering to Covid appropriate behaviours and SOPs. The programme was streamed live on YouTube.