Deacon Angou Francis SDB ordained as Priest

Deacon Anguo Francis SDB with others during the ordination as Priest for the congregation of Salesians of Don Bosco, for Mission Ad Gentes on January 18 at Holy Cross Church, Dimapur.

Dimapur, January 20 (MExN): Deacon Anguo Francis SDB was ordained a Priest for the congregation of Salesians of Don Bosco, for Mission Ad Gentes on January 18 at Holy Cross Church, Dimapur.

Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima officiated the ceremony of ordination in the presence of Rev Fr Jose Kuruvachira SDB, Provincial, Dimapur Province; Rev Fr MC George SDB, Procurator for the Salesian Mission in Rome; priests; sisters; Church leaders; CAN; NCWA; NCYM; families and well wishers. Over 45 priests concelebrated with the Bishop in the ceremony of the ordination, said a press release from Fr Renthungo Victor, Secretary to the Bishop of Kohima.

Deacon Angou Francis was accompanied by his parents, brothers, sisters and relatives. Rev Fr Philip Yanpvuthung, Assistant Priest Holy Cross Church, Dimapur anchored the ordination ceremony. Meanwhile, Rev Fr Thomas PJ,  Parish Priest Holy Cross Church, Dimapur accorded the words of welcome to the gathering.

Deacon Anguo Francis SDB entered the Seminary at the age of 14 to begin his formation to the Order of Priesthood. Fr Francis committed to the order of Priesthood with the motto “Come to me all who are tired and heavy burdened, I will give you rest” Mt 11:28.

The Bishop, in his homily thanked the family and village for offering Deacon Anguo Francis for the service of God in the Church. He exhorted the candidate to be humble, building close intimacy with Jesus through the celebration of the Eucharist and prayer. 

The bishop also exhorted the new priests to stay in touch with the family and friends who can be source of strength in difficult moments of priestly ministry. The Bishop appreciated Deacon Francis for the sacrifice and the challenge to be a missionary to Paraguay, South America.

During the felicitation programme, special songs were presented by ZCCD, Dimapur, ZCC, ZE village and folk dance by Zelu Youth Dimapur.

Meanwhile, Fr MC George, Procurator for the Salesian Mission in Rome and the delegates of the Salesian Mission in Rome conveyed gratitude to Fr Francis and the parents.

Fr Angou Francis thanked God for the gift of ‘vocation to priesthood’ and for giving him the strength and courage to follow His call. Ingau Lucy anchored the felicitation programme.