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Bishop of Kohima, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil along with others after unveiling the monolith to commemorate the silver jubilee celebration of Holy Family Church at Nagaland Police Campus, Chumukedima, on December 27.[/caption]
Dimapur, Dec. 30: The Holy Family Church (HFC) at Nagaland Police Campus, Chumukedima, celebrated its silver jubilee with Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, as the main celebrant on December 27.
The celebration began with the blessing of the jubilee monolith by the bishop which was unveiled by Elias Lotha. Rev. Fr. Sajan, parish priests of St. Joseph’s Parish, Chumukedima, delivered the welcome address which was attended by Fathers, Sisters, Catechists, Pastors of different denomination, leaders of CAN, NCWA, NCYM and invited guests and the faithful.
Altogether 21 children and 23 faithful received the sacrament of the first Holy Communion and confirmation respectively.
In his homily, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil said it was a joyous occasion to thank God for the many blessings they have received through faith and urged the community to remember the past with gratitude.
He said celebrating jubilee must instil in us the family values and make us live our family life better adding in this way jubilee become an occasion to live our present with passion and commitment.
The bishop reminded that in the Catholic liturgical calendar, the last Sunday of the year is celebrated as the Feast of the Holy Family. By this, the church presents to us the family of Nazareth, with Jesus, Mary and Joseph, as a model for all Christian families and invites us to look to them for inspiration, example and encouragement.
The feast of the Holy Family reminds us that each family is called to holiness. The husband and wife attain holiness when they discharge their duties faithfully, trusting in God, and deriving His strength through personal and family prayer, meditative reading of the Bible, and devout participation in the Holy Mass. There must be proper care and respect given by children to their parents and grandparents.
The bishop concluded his homily by wishing that God will teach us the sanctity of human love, show us the value of family life, and help us to live in peace with all the human family.
After the holy mass, there was a short felicitation programme anchored by Johnny Ruangmei and Fr. John Lichoi, Assistant Priest, Chumukedima, during which the jubilee choir presented two songs besides a felicitation song presented by a women group.
The bishop also released the jubilee souvenir. K Elias Lotha, Convener of Silver Jubilee, proposed vote of thanks and Rev. Fr. PJ Thomas said the grace for the meal.
