Dimapur, April 11 (EMN): Presbyterium (all the priests serving in the diocese) of the Diocese of Kohima, along with religious sisters and laity representative of the diocese of Kohima gathered in the Cathedral Church, which is the mother church of the diocese, to celebrate the Chrism Mass cum Priesthood Day on April 11 at 3 p.m.
It is a yearly celebration during which the priests and representatives of the entire diocesan community gather around the bishop to celebrate this great event. Normally the celebration is held on Holy Thursday. However, for practical reasons, the diocese celebrated on Tuesday of the Holy week in order to facilitate the priests to get back to their own parishes and centres for the Holy Thursday celebrations with their flock.
Chrism Mass is a key moment in which the unity of Bishop with his priest (together, they form the presbyterate) is manifested and renewed. The day is known as priesthood day following the action of Christ at the Last Supper in which He instituted the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood. The priests renew their vow of obedience to the bishop and their commitment to serve God’s people. It is also the day in which Holy oils, namely oil of the sick, oil of the catechumen and oil of the Chrism are blessed by the bishop. These oils are used for the celebration of the different sacraments in the Catholic Church.
It is to be noted that the anointing with the oil has its origin in the ancient Greek and Roman background. In the ancient Greece and Rome context oil was used by ancient Greek and Roman athletes to limber up muscles. It was believed to bring strength and protection.
Bishop James centred his homily on the 10 pivotal challenges in which Pope Francis highlighted in his document ‘Evangelium Gaudium’ namely challenge of anchoring the priesthood on intimate relationship with Christ, Being a merciful shepherd being close to the people; Seeking to live a modest lifestyle and being available; Admitting one’s limitations and being a model of integrity, exuding joy in ministry; Being committed to quality preaching, carefully monitoring any clerical position or power one possess, building on the popular piety of the people; Being genuinely sensitive to those on the ‘fringe’ and margins and Being genuine missionary disciples.
Bishop said the above thoughts emerge from Pope’s deep convictions a pastor in Latin American country. He also appreciated and thanked to all the priests.
He also exhorted the faithful to love their priests.
The highlight of the programme included a choral programme by Cathedral Catholic Youth Association; greetings by Dr. Simon Dzüvichü- president of Catholic Association of Nagaland; tribute by Ms Vilanuo Angela, president of Nagaland Catholic Women Association; Melody by Ms Karen Solo and friends, a note of gratitude by Rev. Fr. Anthony Rozii, vice principal of St. Joseph College, Jakhama; solo by Nounengu Augustine.
Over 100 priests including a large gathering of religious sisters and faithful took part in this solemn yearly celebration.
