Savio
Angoto Rote and John Nokeduzo Kotso were received by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil for
the priestly ordination on December 27 in Kidima village.
- DIMAPUR — Deacon
Savio Angoto Rote and Deacon John Nokeduzo Kotso were ordained priest by Rev.
Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, on December 27 at Kidima village ground on
the theme “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15: 16).
- In his homily, Rev. Thoppil, informed that the two deacons
would be called Fr. Savio and Fr. John. He stated that priesthood is a gift of
God for mission and the Church.
- James Thoppil reflected on the word of God from the book of
Jeremiah which says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before
you were born I dedicated you" (Jer 1:5) and "Do not say, 'I am too
young.' To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall
speak" (Jer 1:7).
- The bishop urged the newly ordained priests to be shepherds
of the flock, to preach the Gospel, to administer the sacraments and to lead
the people of God in worship and prayer.
- Bishop Thoppil also made reference from Ephesus to “Keep
watch over yourselves and over the whole flock, to free from deceive by the
savage wolves, who come among us in all forms of attractive guise, tempting us
to abandon the teaching of the word of God in favour of popular, convenient and
insubstantial teachings which only lead to sin and death. By your care to be
loyal and selfless apostles of Christ, you will draw all to Him whose glorious
pierced heart never ceases to pour out upon the world the mercy and love of God
the Father. By His obedience to the will of the Father, Jesus became the source
of eternal life for all.”
- The bishop asked the gathering to be vigilant of the satan’s
work against the incursion of those who, in every age, seek to divide, confuse
and scatter the flock.
- The traditional blessing was pronounced by Zekrol Michael
Soleho.
- The Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Neisalhou Carlous, announced the
worthy of the deacons to ordain as the priest. The bishop later accepted the
deacons to hold the presbytery.
