EMN
Dimapur, December 27
Catholic community of St. Stephen’s Church, Rusoma, celebrated its golden jubilee with Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, as the main celebrant on December 26 on the theme “.. and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved” (Mt. 10:22).
Rev. Fr. Peter Salew, SDB, parish priest of Christ King, Kohima, blessed and unveiled the jubilee monolith. The Eucharist began with the lighting of 50 lamps by 50 Catholics representatives signifying fifty years of Christian life. The apostolic blessing and message from Pope Francis was read out prior to the Eucharistic celebration. Neituozo Dominic, convenor of the jubilee committee, delivered the Jubilee Message.
Bishop, in his homily, said jubilee is the time to express gratitude to God who inspired and guided every step of the pioneers of the community who ventured out to accept and to live a faith that was no so familiar and welcome. He said the people today are grateful and proud of them.
“Their sacrifices and dedication bore fruit and we are here today celebrating their courage and commitment to accept and live the Catholic faith, the faith that had come down to us from Jesus, through the apostles and their successors,” the bishop said. He also exhorted that jubilee is a time to live the present with passion saying, ‘Jubilee is a call to re-dedicate and renew our lives according to the principles of Jesus Christ.’ He added that we must be able to say with Saint Paul “For to me to live is Christ” (Phil 1:21). He also said jubilee is also a time to embrace the future with hope.
The bishop also reminded the community that in the catholic tradition churches are named not by tribe or group’s name but by saint’s name indicating that all are welcome to the church and to build special relationship between patron saint and the community.
He said Catholic community of Rusoma has been under the very special protection and intercession of St. Stephen. ‘We are inheritors of the faith for which St. Stephen gave his life,’ the bishop said and stated that in his final defence speech before his judges in the Sanhedrin, Stephen bravely and eloquently defended his belief in Jesus as the promised messiah, accused the Jews of unbelief, and explained that the sacrifices and sacrificial laws given by Moses were temporary.
Bishop concluded the homily by inviting the community to look to the past with gratitude, to live the present with passion and commitment and embrace the future with hope.
Altogether, 34 faithful received the sacrament of confirmation and 55 received the first holy communion. Thekrunei Edward, touring catechist of Christ King parish, translated the Bishop’s homily. The jubilee choir of Catholic Youth Association, Rosuma sang during the Holy Mass.
Songs, skits, Tati (Naga traditional musical instrument), choreography, dance, were the special items displayed during the felicitation programme. The golden evening was also marked with the talent show and community meal.
