Dignitaries who attended the golden jubilee celebration of the Lotha Catholic Youth Association at Longsa on December 14 and 15.
LONGSA, DECEMBER 15 (MExN): The Lotha Catholic Youth Association (LCYA) celebrated its Golden Jubilee on December 14 and 15 with the theme “You are the Light of the World” (Mt 5:14) at St. Peter’s Church, Longsa.
Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, graced the occasion as the Chief Celebrant of the Holy Eucharist. Meanwhile Dr. Pankathung, MO i/c, PHC Sungro, the special guest for the celebration, unveiled the Jubilee Monolith in the presence of Fathers and Sisters, Church leaders, dignitaries and delegates from the Bhandari Parish, Lakhuti Parish, Dimapur, Wokha Parish, Longsa, Ryphim Center, Sanis Center and Kohima.The dignitaries of CAN, NCWA and NCYM were also present for the special occasion.
Bishop James Thoppil presided over the Holy Mass of Thanksgiving on December 15. In his homily, the Bishop congratulated the LCYA Office bearers of the past and present for leading the association to complete 50 years of its existence.
Quoting Pope Francis, Bishop James called upon the youth and said that “Only conversion of heart can make our world, which is full of terror and violence, more humane.” He posed some question to the Youth: “Lotha Catholic Youth where are you heading to? Are we firm in our conscience? Does our faith influence our actions?”
He encouraged the youth by referring to St. Paul “where he tells the community of Colosse, to walk in Christ, to be rooted and built up in Him.” He urged the youth to focus on the gospel of prosperity to nourish the spiritual soul rather than material prosperity. To keep aside human tradition of excessive adherence to clanism; this, he said is possible with a clarion call for the conversion of heart. He said that this is an appeal to responsibility.
He exhorted the young people, to first of all become adults who are called to live the freedom of conscience in a genuine way, as a search for the true, the beautiful and the good, ready to pay the price that this entails.
The Bishop further reflected that “we are told each of us are salt and light in the world.” He further reminded that one must act like salt and light without losing the saltiness and without dimming the rays of the light. Bishop James highlighted that “our life is a call, a call to live the plans of God as His beloved Children. A Call to live life Constantly, available, leading, Life. And therefore, to live a life to lead innovatively while focusing extensively.”
Jubilee greetings and messages from the LCU, CAN, NCYM and NCWA were also expressed during the occasion. Prayer of blessing over the new elected office bearers was also conducted by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil during the celebration to profess God’s presence and power among the leaders to lead the youth association.
Earlier, on December 14, the first day kicked off with the Holy Mass Celebrated by Rev. Fr. John Ntonse, Center In-charge, St. Peters Church Longsa. The homily was delivered by Fr. Peter Pithungo, Assistant Priest, St. Joseph’s Church Chumukedima. He emphasized on the blessings of God and the duty to be thankful for sustaining the Church through the instrumentality of youth ministry.
The celebration witnessed the prayer of invocation, hosting of the Jubilee and LCYA Flag and the Jubilee Choir voiced the Jubilee anthem with harmony. The lighting of the Jubilee Lamp, the cutting of the ribbon, releasing of the Jubilee Souvenir marked the celebration.
A Jubilee Nite was also conducted by the organizing committee. Amos A and Hayio Francis chaired the program which witnessed the talents of the youth.
