Dy CM Y Patton, Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima Diocese and others during the dedication of Lotha Catholic Union silver jubilee monolith on December 12.
Wokha, December 12 (MExN): Lotha Catholic Union (LCU) celebrated its silver jubilee with the theme ‘Go forth and proclaim the good news to all nations’ at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Wokha on December 11 and 12. The Union was established in 1995 with the motto, ‘Love, Faith, Unity, Service.’
Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima Diocese graced the occasion as the main celebrant of the Holy Eucharist and dedicated the jubilee monolith.
The Bishop stressed that the basic aim of any catholic association is to help and accommodate all people despite faith for all are children of God, which is a call, a call to lead by following the mission command of Jesus. He encouraged the congregation to read the Gospel, use words necessary, praying together as a community and living a life of witness following the teachings and values of Jesus.
Dy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Home, Road & Bridges Y Patton graced the celebration as special guests and also unveiled the monolith in the presence of Fathers and Sisters, Church leaders, dignitaries, and delegates from various parishes. Representatives from Catholic Association of Nagaland, Lotha Catechist Association, Lotha Catholic Women Association and Lotha Catholic Youth Association were also present.
LCU in a press release said that the Dy CM highlighted the contributions of Catholic institutions in Nagaland and acknowledged all the priest and nuns for their dedication towards the welfare of the Naga People. He encouraged the youths to rise beyond horizon in this competitive world.
As an encouragement for the student community of Catholic faith from Lotha community, Patton declared the cash award of rupees ten lakh and five lakh respectively to those who passes UPSC and NPSC examinations respectively.
While extending greeting, Catholic Association of Nagaland, President, Johnny Ruangmei encouraged the congregation to participate in the jubilee meaningfully and become the light of the world and salt of the earth. He stressed that the Catholics had the right platform under Catholic Social Teachings and urged the congregation to be a torch bearer in the society looking forward by reflecting and invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The welcome speech was delivered by LCU President, Peter Lichamo.
Earlier on December 11, the jubilee celebration started off by hoisting LCU flag and lighting of the jubilee candle which was graced by Rev Fr AD Jose, Parish Priest Wokha and K Libanthung Lotha IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Government of Nagaland respectively. The Holy Mass celebration was led by Rev Fr John Ntonse, Centre In-Charge, St Peter’s Church Longsa.
With DIPR inputs
