Kiphire, December 16 (MExN): The new built Church at Pungro town, Kiphire under the patronage of St. Paul's was blessed and dedicated by Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima on December 13.
Bishop James, in his homily, appreciated the people of Pungro for the collaboration, hard work, to build this magnificent church of God, stated a press release from the Bishop’s secretary Rev. Fr. Renthungo Victor.
He asserted that it is easy to build a material structure and it in itself will not give worship to God. “It is the Christians who are the real temple, the living temple of the Holy Spirit, who give true worship to God in their heart.” Without true spiritual worship, the external worship in the church will not give glory to God instead bring human satisfaction only.
Referring to the Acts of the Apostles, he said that the true worship is offered through listening to the teaching of the Apostles, breaking of the bread, prayer and fellowship. “That is the reason there is the Ambo in the Church from where the teaching of the Apostles in proclaimed; there is the altar where the breaking of the bread takes places through the Eucharistic sacrifice; through the teaching of the Apostles and breaking of bread, fellowship is created and prayers are offered. In this way the community worships God in spirit and in truth.”
During the ceremony, the rite of Blessing of the whole Church, the Crucifix, the Altar, the Ambo and the Tabernacle took place signifying the sanctity of the place of worship. 46 Baptized Catholic also received the Sacrament.
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Sajimon, accorded the words of welcome to all. Besides songs, presentations were given to those who helped to build the church. Daniel Korakmong, Vice President, Parish Council anchored the program. Meanwhile Lenpithong Kurian, Finance Secretary, Construction Committee proposed the vote of thanks.
Bishop James, in his homily, appreciated the people of Pungro for the collaboration, hard work, to build this magnificent church of God, stated a press release from the Bishop’s secretary Rev. Fr. Renthungo Victor.
He asserted that it is easy to build a material structure and it in itself will not give worship to God. “It is the Christians who are the real temple, the living temple of the Holy Spirit, who give true worship to God in their heart.” Without true spiritual worship, the external worship in the church will not give glory to God instead bring human satisfaction only.
Referring to the Acts of the Apostles, he said that the true worship is offered through listening to the teaching of the Apostles, breaking of the bread, prayer and fellowship. “That is the reason there is the Ambo in the Church from where the teaching of the Apostles in proclaimed; there is the altar where the breaking of the bread takes places through the Eucharistic sacrifice; through the teaching of the Apostles and breaking of bread, fellowship is created and prayers are offered. In this way the community worships God in spirit and in truth.”
During the ceremony, the rite of Blessing of the whole Church, the Crucifix, the Altar, the Ambo and the Tabernacle took place signifying the sanctity of the place of worship. 46 Baptized Catholic also received the Sacrament.
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Sajimon, accorded the words of welcome to all. Besides songs, presentations were given to those who helped to build the church. Daniel Korakmong, Vice President, Parish Council anchored the program. Meanwhile Lenpithong Kurian, Finance Secretary, Construction Committee proposed the vote of thanks.
