St. Joseph Parish Youth Movement celebrates silver jubilee

DIMAPUR — More than 1900 faithful converged at St. Joseph Parish Centre in Chümoukedima on September 17 to celebrate the silver jubilee of St. Joseph Parish Youth Movement (1998-2023).

An update from the youth movement stated that the celebration was held in four parts namely blessing and unveiling of the jubilee monolith, the Holy Eucharistic celebration, felicitation programme, and jubilee thanksgiving night.

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The Holy Eucharistic celebration was led by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, wherein in his homily, he called upon the congregation to imbibe a culture of forgiveness. He has described the youth as present leaders for building a strong church in future.

It stated that the first reading, second reading and prayer of the faithful were led by Lekho Elias Dukru, Tovini Monica and Elizabeth Dangmei respectively.

The highlights of the felicitation programme, led by Kevino Mary, included the release of the jubilee souvenir by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, and the acknowledgement of dignitaries, guests and well-wishers of the youth movement.

The session concluded with a prayer by the assistant parish priest and youth director, Rev. Fr. Marcus Yanthan.

The jubilee thanksgiving night was marked with a presentation of songs, cultural dances, musical pieces and skits by various unit churches of the parish and short speeches by leaders of apex laity associations of Nagaland.

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The guest of honour, Johnny Ruangmei, who is also the joint CEO of NSDMA and president of the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), has likened the youth to flowers which add beauty to every occasion. In this regard, he called upon the youth to serve the purpose bestowed upon them by the Almighty when they are young and vibrant.

Rita Kikon, advisor of NCWA, with her colleagues and Dr. Lowrence Kithan, president of NCYM, with his colleagues, attended the celebrations.

Earlier, an invocation prayer was said by Rev. Fr. Marcus, assistant parish priest and youth director, while the vote of thanks and benediction was pronounced by Elizabeth Richa and Rev. Fr. Anthony R Dukru respectively.

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