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Dimapur, Jan. 17 (EMN): Reverend Deacon Peter Pehiachanglu from Nsong village in Peren district was ordained as priest for Kohima Diocese on January 15 at St. Peter’s Church, Nsong, under SFS Parish, Tening. Pehiachanglu was ordained by the bishop of Kohima Rev. Dr. James Thoppil.
Speaking at the ordination programme, the bishop has termed it as a red letter day for the Catholic community of St. Peter’s Church Nsong to ordain a priest for Kohima diocese.
The bishop stated that as a priest, he would set apart and be consecrated to God’s work and His mission. He added that Peter would assume a new role and identity – the role and identity of a Catholic priest, an update from Kohima diocese stated.
In his homily, the bishop explained the prophetic, pastoral and priestly role of a priest. He added that once a person is ordained, he would remain as priest forever. The bishop exhorted Peter to remember that his life-work is to lift up Jesus Christ before men, so that he might draw them unto Him.
“To be a good priest is the hardest work and the most glorious work on earth. It takes love—abundant love and the most patient love—and it takes hard work,” the bishop stated.
Bishop concluded his homily by thanking the family and relatives of Fr. Peter for offering him to God and to the church.
The felicitation programme witnessed congratulations by the SFS parish youth of Tening. It stated that words of exhortation and encouragement were pronounced by the bishop and Johny Raungmei, president Catholic Association of Nagaland.
Fr. Peter is the fourth son of the thirteen siblings. Sr. Sharon, the eldest sister of Rev. Fr. Peter, has acknowledged the presence of the all on behalf of the family.
Rev. Fr. Dominic Kwettrangging, assistant priest of St. Paul’s Church, Pungro, anchored the ordination ceremony, while Sr. Rufina was the commentator respectively.
Rev. Fr. Paul Panü, parish priest of SFS, Tening, delivered the welcome address. Representatives from CAN, NCWA, NCYM and village chairman, dignitaries, priests and sisters from different parishes and other participants attended the ordination programme. It mentioned that the Kohima diocese has now 112 ordained priests with Fr. Peter was the youngest priest in the diocese. He is the 5th Zeliang priest to be ordained from Nagaland.