St. Thomas Church Phelungre celebrates golden jubilee and dedication

DIMAPUR — St. Thomas Church, Phelungre, celebrated its golden jubilee and church dedication at Phelungre, Kiphire, on Saturday.

Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, blessed the jubilee monolith, while Dr. Johnny Ruangmei, president of CAN and joint CEO of NSDMA, unveiled it.

John Tsulise Sangtam, secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Department of Works and Housing, cut the ribbon of the Church inauguration. The jubilee plaque was unveiled by Azenou Conepta Penyu, director (retd.), Rural Development, while the jubilee flag was hoisted by S K James, public leader.

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Bishop Thoppil congratulated the Catholic community of Phelungre on the completion of the church, praising parish priest Fr. Philip Magh's leadership. He thanked the previous priests, sisters, catechists, and elders of Kiphire parish for nurturing the Catholic faith.

In his message, he reflected that “the material or the physical structure of a Church is easy, provided one has the money and manpower. In fact, his church might have taken just over a year to complete. But we know that the external and material church is only the manifestation of a real and true one. The real Church, are we. We are the living temple of God. We must build this temple every day. God must dwell within us. This, of course, is not easy, and yet it is our prime duty.”

Earlier, Fr. Philip Magh delivered the welcome address. The event featured traditional music by Yongtsuchi Cecily and Yutsachi Cecily, and the jubilee anthem was presented by the Jubilee Choir.

A Holy Mass was solemnised with an entrance dance in traditional attire by St. Thomas Community residents, Kiphire, followed by the lighting of 50 jubilee candles. The bishop also performed a blessing of the church altar.