Dimapur, Oct. 2 (EMN): Three day diocesan vocation camp was held at St. Joseph’s Parish, Chumukedima from Sep. 29 to Oct. 2, with 92 participants from 16 parishes of the diocese.
St. Joseph’s Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Sajan Joseph, accorded a cordial welcome by to the campers while vocation promoter, Diocese of Kohima Rev. Fr. Renthungo Victor introduced the purpose of the programme.
In the inaugural function, the Bishop of Kohima James Thoppil exhorted the campers to be generous and fervent in prayer. Quoting the words of Jeremiah, he said “we are known by God before we were formed in our mother’s womb (Jer 1:4) and this is the greatest love God has bestowed on us.” He recommended the children to pray, reflect and discern the will of God.The first day started with a reflection on the theme “Prayer” by Rev., St. Joseph Church, Chumukedima Parish Priest Fr. Sajan Joseph, enlightened the gathering on significance of praying and emphasised on the importance of prayer by elaborating the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father.”
Rev. Fr. John Nchumbemo spoke on the topic vocations, the gift of the love of God. He encouraged the participants by sharing his experiences of life. He also cheered the participants with songs. Rev. Sr. Rita Miasalhou, SCCG, the superior of Holy Redeemer Health Centre, elaborated on the topic vocation to service. She stressed on the church in the service of humanity and also listed works of Jesus Christ such as preaching, teaching, healing, and acts of charity and justice.
Stephen Angami, in his address on ‘A consecrated life brings joy to the family’ said eherever there are consecrated people, seminarians, men and women religious, young people, there is joy. He said worldly things and its attractions are short lived and will perish sooner or later but doing God’s will would bring true happiness and joy.
Vice Principal of NEISSR, Dimapur Rev. Fr. John Poji officiated the holy mass on Sep. 30. During the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. John asked the campers to answer the call of God. “We need to keep in mind that religious life is not a way to escape family life or problems of this world but to live totally for the Lord,” he added.
Deliberating on ‘vocation in the local church,’ Rev. Fr. Marius Zachamo Patton said having courage for vocation is challenging way of following Christ and it is so rich in meaning. Therefore, he urged children to pray continuously to find that inner desire.
On Sunday, Vicar General Diocese of Kohima Rev. Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, in his message said God respects one’s freedom of choice and gives opportunity to do go in life. He also said only people with commitment and willingness to sacrifice their lives can win the world for God and added that one’s words are to be corresponded with one’s deed.
The camp culminated with a get-together, where varieties of items were presented by groups.
