Dimapur, January 16 (MExN): Deacon Phuvito Emmanuel, SDB was ordained Priest for the congregation of Salesians of Don Bosco, Dimapur Province on January 16 at St Francis of Assisi Parish, Lazami.
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, priests, sisters, church leaders, CAN, NCWA, NCYM, parents and relatives, friends and well wishers.
Over 45 Priests concelebrated with the Bishop in the solemn ceremony of the Ordination. Deacon Phuvito was dressed in traditional attire and was led to the altar by Lazami Catholic community. He was accompanied by parents, brothers, sisters and relatives.
A press release from Fr Renthungo Victor, Secretary to the Bishop of Kohima said Rev Fr Solomon Kivishe, Assistant Priest St John the Evangelist Church, Khonoma anchored the ordination ceremony. Meanwhile, Rev Fr Vinoto Justine OFM the Parish Priest, St Francis of Assisi Church Lazami accorded words of welcome to the gathering. Deacon Phuvito was born on September 25, 1989 to Leo Kiyeho and Avuli Rose in Lazami Village. At the age of 14 years, he entered the Seminary to begin his formation to the order of priesthood, the release said. Deacon Phuvito committed to the order of priesthood with the motto “I shall be with you as I was with Moses" Joshua 1:5 after 13 years of training and formation.
The Bishop in his homily exhorted the candidate to be humble and build close intimacy with Jesus through the celebration of the Eucharist and prayer. “A priest is called primarily with the Lord and then to send out. One’s being must precede one’s doing. All that you are and you have is God’s gift to you. Now make a gift of your life to God, full, whole, complete in freedom," said the Bishop.
Fr Phuvito thanked all those who made it possible for him to stand at the altar. He thanked God for the gift of ‘vocation to priesthood’ and for giving him the strength and courage to follow His call. Fr Phuvito requested the people to pray for him. Puloto Achumi and Vivitoli Swu anchored the felicitation programme.
