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Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima with others during ordination of the Deacon Alex Gwatilo Tep as Priest for the diocese of Kohima at Tseminyu on December 31.
Kohima, January 2 (MExN): Deacon Alex Gwatilo Tep was ordained Priest for the diocese of Kohima on December 31 by Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima at Tseminyu. Deacon Alex is the 109th priest for the Diocese of Kohima.
Over 40 priests concelebrated in the celebration with the Bishop, Religious Sisters, CAN, NCWA and NCYM officials, public leaders, church leaders, Family members, relatives and friends.
Deacon Alex committed to the order of Priesthood with the motto “I Chose You" John 15:16. Deacon Alex dressed in the traditional attire was brought to the venue by Tseminyu village elders. The Catholic community then led him to the Altar as a sign of offering to God. He was accompanied by his parents, brothers, sisters and relatives.
The prayer of blessing was given along by the parents with the calling of the candidate. Rev Fr GL Khing, Youth Director, Diocese of Kohima anchored the ordination ceremony. Rev Fr Joseph Lukas, Parish Priest St. Joseph Church Tseminyu, accorded the words of welcome.
The Bishop in his homily, while thanking the family and village for offering Deacon Alex for the service of God in the Church, exhorted the candidate to be humble, building 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. Though he is ordained priest today, his formation and learning does not end here but begins,” he stated.
The felicitation programme was organized in the same venue. Special song from Youth Department Tseminyu village, folk song by CWA St Joseph Church Tseminyu and other special voice were presented. Rev. Fr Carolus Neisalhou, Vicar General, Kohima Diocese also spoke during the programme.
R Khing, Advisor, Animal Husbandry & Vety Services, Women Resources Development in his speech congratulating Rev. Fr. Gwatilo Alex Tep said, “It is a pride for the Rengmas and Nagas in general.”
Fr Alex Gwatilo Tep in his address raised his heart and mind to God in gratitude for all the blessings that God has showered upon him through many people on his journey to Priesthood.
Dr John Kent and Margaret Khing, anchored the felicitation programme. Time was allotted for the well-wishers to felicitate the newly ordained personally and after which meal was served to all.
This was stated in a press release issued by Fr Renthungo Victor, Secretary to the Bishop of Kohima.
