DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 27: The new Holy Spirit Church building at Vidima village was inaugurated by Rev. Dr. George Punnolil, financial administrator, Diocese of Kohima and blessed by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima on November 27. The church monolith was unveiled by Dr. John Murry.
The Holy Eucharist was officiated by Bishop Thoppil along with 12 priests. The august gathering had the presences of priests, sisters, and delegates from Kohima, Dimapur, Chumukedima and pastors of different denominations, village chairman and other guests.
Bishop in his introduction speech congratulated Fr. Sajan and his parish team, particularly the community of Vidima for completing the construction of the new Church. He said Church is a symbol of God’s presence and closeness and that is why most villages and people and even non-Christians, build place of worship. In Nagaland, he said Church has pride of place in all villages and in fact some call Nagaland a land of churches. Church is also sign of the Christian presence, he added. Speaking on the relevance and importance of advent, the first Sunday of Advent, he reminded the gathering that there is more to live than the present moment. He said one must choose live a life to get eternal salvation. Stating that God made different stages of life- birth, baptism, joyful and sorrowful moments of life, death and moment of universal judgment, he said the most crucial and decisive moment is death where one has to make final and ultimate choice, a choice that marks our final destiny. He added that death is the surest reality in life and every moment of life is moving towards death. Therefore, he said the Church invites us to be prepared and advent is time for preparation.
Bishop stated that the advent preparation is to meet Christ who became Immanuel at a certain decisive moment in history, at Christmas. This encounter should prepare us for greater and decisive encounter of Jesus at death and one should make oneself the living temple, living house of God and encounter with Christ to be purposeful and meaningful, he said.
Dr. John Murry in his speech said every good act initiated and joint efforts made the church completion a successfully one. He thanked Fr. Sajan for finishing the church construction, which was initiated by Rev. Fr. Sabu Chenackal, former Parish Priest. He encouraged the community to grow stronger and stay vibrant.
Highlight of the programme included brief history of the Church by Valentine, church secretary, songs and choreography. On the occasion, 21 people received the sacrament of confirmation and eight received the first communion.
