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Bishop of Kohima, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, pose for a group photo with the church choir members on the occasion of St. Joseph’s Church’s golden jubilee celebration in Tseminyu town on December 15.[/caption]
Dimapur, Dec. 15 (EMN): Catholic community of St. Joseph’s Church, Tseminyu, celebrated the golden jubilee on the theme “My father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit,” on December 15.
Bishop of Kohima Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, offered the Holy Eucharistic celebrations as the main celebrant on the occasion. R Khing, advisor of animal husbandry & veterinary services, women resources development, graced the occasion as the guest of honour.
The celebration began with the blessing and unveiling of the jubilee monolith by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil and Rev. Fr. Carolus Neishalou, vicar general of the Diocese of Kohima.
Bishop James, in his homily, recalled the sacrifice of the pioneering missionaries and faithful who toiled to stand strong against the opposition to their faith. He said, “The first Catholic community took shape in this village against all odds and difficulties 50 years ago, that is in 1968.”
He exhorted the gathering on the need to learn lesson from the people of Israel, saying jubilee is a time for renewal, reparation, restoration, reformation and re-dedication. He urged to re-dedicate themselves with sincere repentance and bring about renewal and resurgence of faith, both as individuals and as a community. He invited the congregation to remember the past with gratitude.
He also encouraged the faithful to live the present with greater fervour and determination adding there is every reason to look to the future with hope. “This will give us living hope to the future, a hope that does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Rom 5:5),” the bishop stated.
After the Holy Eucharistic celebration, a short felicitation programme was organised to honour the guests and persons who have contributed for the faith of the community.
Speaking on the occasion, R Khing confessed that he is the most fortunate one to celebrate the golden jubilee. He recollected the pioneering leaders who accepted the Catholic faith. He highlighted the hardships caused to the Catholic leaders in the initial stage. He stated that the small seed sown by the pioneers has grown up to attain 50 years. He added that celebration of the golden jubilee of catholic faith is the landmark achievement.
He exhorted the assembly to celebrate with a sense of gratitude to God who has given the many blessings for their existence and to revive themselves what God has commended. He highlighted love, peace and forgiveness to be the criteria of the celebration. He also emphasised on the love of neighbour and God as the core of the jubilee and to introspect with the word of God.
Rev. Fr. Lawrence Khing delivered the welcome address.
