A group presenting song during the St. Mary’s Church, Merapani golden jubilee celebration held on December 27 and 28.
Catholic community of St. Mary’s Church, Merapani celebrates golden jubilee
Wokha, December 28 (MExN): St. Mary’s Church, Merapani celebrated the golden jubilee on December 27 and 28 with the theme “He is a Living God and he will rule forever (Daniel 6:26).
Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima was the main celebrant of the Jubilee Holy Eucharist on December 28. Elias T Lotha, Transport Commissioner, Nagaland graced the occasion as the special guest. Bishop James Thoppil blessed the jubilee monolith which was unveiled by Elias T Lotha. Balloons assembled in the Rosary beats were also released by the congregation to mark the occasion.
Bishop in his homily said that jubilee is the time to express our gratitude to God who inspired and guided every step of the pioneers of this community who ventured out to accept and to live a faith that was no so familiar and welcome.
“Jubilee is a call to re-dedicate and renew our lives according to the principles of Jesus Christ. Bishop concluded the homily by inviting the community to look to the past with gratitude, to live the present with passion and commitmentand embrace the future with hope,” he stated.
Elias T Lotha, speaking on the occasion exhorted the community to be a living example to go out of one’s comfort zones to spread the message of the Gospel. He further called upon the Catholic community to profess their faith with conviction and firmness in believe.
On behalf of the Lotha Catholic Union Jubilee greeting message was also pronounced. The Jubilee special event was the Eucharistic Procession where in the faithful marched in procession along with the Holy Sacrament around the Village to seek God’s blessing upon the village.The Jubilee Choir of Catholic Youth Association, St. Mary’s Church Marapani presented songs.
Rev. Fr. Rhanben Mathew, Parish Priests Sacred Heart Church Bhandari translated the Bishop’s homily and Rev. Fr. Dominic Zeliang accorded the words of welcome. John Patton, Catechist Longayim pronounced the benediction and Rev. Fr. Marcus prayed over the fellowship meal.
This was stated in a press release issued by Fr. Victor Renthungo, Bishop’s Secretary.
