St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lakhuti, celebrates its platinum jubilee with Bishop James Thoppil dedicating a new church building.
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DIMAPUR — The platinum jubilee of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lakhuti, marking 75 years of the Catholic faith, was celebrated from January 16 to the 18th on the theme “Thy Kingdom Come, O Lord” (Matthew 6-10).
According to a press release, the jubilee concluded with a Holy Mass on the final day, with Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, as the main celebrant.
On the first day, the celebration began with the blessing of the jubilee site and surroundings by Rev. Fr. NK George. This was followed by the release of a commemorative postal envelope by Echungthung Yanthan, assistant director of Postal Services. The day concluded with Eucharistic Adoration led by Rev. Fr. Marcus Yanthan and Sr. Rita Humtsoe, FCC.
On the second day, the Holy Eucharistic celebration was led by Rev. Fr. Abraham Lotha, the first priest from Lakhuti village, with Br. Dominic Zabenthung J Lotha serving as the narrator of ceremonies. In the afternoon, a Eucharistic procession was held around the village.
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The final day commenced with the rite of blessing and dedication of the new church building and the platinum jubilee monolith by the bishop. The monolith was unveiled by Yanjo Veronica Yanthan, wife of pioneer Yantsao Lucus Yanthan, while the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the opening of the church door were carried out by Abraham Santsuo Humtsoe, son of pioneer Shanpano Zechariah Humtsoe.
During the Holy Eucharistic celebration, Bishop James Thoppil congratulated the Catholic community of Lakhuti. He reflected on the sacrifices made by the pioneers who embraced Catholicism despite opposition, prejudice, and threats.
Quoting Romans 8:35–39, the bishop emphasised that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ. He noted that the Catholic Church in Nagaland was first established in Lakhuti village and later spread to neighbouring villages, bringing transformation to the Lotha tribe and Nagaland at large.
The bishop called upon the faithful to remember the past with gratitude, live the present with renewed commitment, and look to the future with hope. Highlighting the Lord’s Prayer, he said the platinum jubilee is a call to renew faith and commitment.
After the Holy Mass, a felicitation programme was held, chaired by Jonas Yanthan. Short speeches were delivered by Dr. Johnny Ruangmei, outgoing president of the Catholic Association of Nagaland, and Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor to the Government of Nagaland.