Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 6 (EMN): Parishes across Nagaland under the Diocese of Kohima on Sunday observed Catechists Day.
In St. Francis de Sales (SFS) parish in Kohima town, several catechists were felicitated during different masses held in the church.
Eighty-two-year-old Vilasalie James, parish catechist, and a 35-year-old Petekhriezo Francis, catechist of the Angami community, SFS parish, were felicitated during a Eucharistic celebration.
While delivering a sermon during the mass, Rev. Fr. Mhabemo Mathew, parish priest, reminded the faithful to pray for the catechists around the world serving in different parishes so that they might continue to preach the word of God.
He implored God's blessings upon the families of the catechists so that they might continue to glorify and magnify the name of Almighty in good health and that they might walk the Christian talk together with the laities.
In his message, the priest reminded believers to persist in expounding their faith to others and to live with examples the best way they could to show others that there is life after death.
During the occasion, members from the congregation showered their love to James, who has been serving the parish for 22 years, and Francis for serving seven years as catechists.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, Fr. Benny Varghese, director of Newman Pastoral Centre, Chümoukedima, described a catechist as "a lay person especially appointed by the Church in accordance with local needs, to make Christ known, loved and followed by those who do not yet know Him and by the faithful themselves".
It was informed that there are more than 300 catechists who are actively involved in taking care of the Catholic communities under Kohima diocese.