KOHIMA — Emphasising on the significance of loving one’s neighbours, the Archbishop of Guwahati, John Moolachira, stated that love for God and love for others is the core of religion.
Moolachira stated this in his homily during the Sunday service at the ongoing golden jubilee celebration of the Kohima diocese held at Kohima Cathedral. He commended the Catholic Church's commitment to serve the most vulnerable section in the society. He also stressed on the need to recognise the image of God in all, even the most marginalised and challenging individuals.
He encouraged self-reflection on the influence of one's life and the church to the people and the importance of sharing the gospel through attraction. He further highlighting on the jubilee's theme of growth, gratitude, and future planning for a relevant church.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Thousands of Catholics from various parts of Nagaland and even beyond congregated at the Kohima Cathedral on Sunday to partake in the Holy Eucharist.
During the mass, 50 candidates received their first holy communion, which was administered by Rev. Dr. Jose Chirackal, auxiliary bishop of Tura; Rev. Mathew Moolakat DD, archbishop of Kottayam; and Rev. Dennis Panipitchai DD, auxiliary bishop of Miao.
It was followed with a Eucharistic procession, wherein the "blessed sacrament" was carried by Rev. Dr. Thomas Pullopillil, bishop of Bongaigaon.
Rev. Victor Lyndoh DD, archbishop of Shillong and vice president of NEIRBC, delivered a message saying that only the "Eucharistic Lord" can truly bring family members together in difficult times.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Rev. Fr. Jacob Charalel, chancellor of the diocese of Kohima. The jubilee anthem was performed by the jubilee choir, and the final Eucharistic blessing was administered by Rev. Dr. Thomas Pullopillil.
Cultural extravaganza marks jubilee
Captivating cultural performances marked the golden jubilee celebration of Kohima diocese on Saturday night at Kohima Cathedral.
The event began with a performance presented by the catechism children from Cathedral Parish, Kohima, which was followed with a cultural folk fusion presented by the students of (Autonomous), Jakhama.
The students of St. Andrew School, Jotsoma, transported everyone back to the 90s with a dance set to old popular tunes, while Lidi Kro-u presented a traditional folk song, and the students of St. Mary's Parish, Lozaphuhu, mesmerised the audience with a captivating cultural dance.
The Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) made a spirited performance of "The Lord Is My Light."
The cultural night featured a musical play showcasing the journey of Catholic faith in Nagaland, presented by St. Paul Institute of Education, Phesama, and the jubilee choir with the jubilee anthem.