The service in progress during the ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ Special Prayer Gathering held at NSCN (IM) CHQ Hebron.
Dimapur, July 31 (MExN): A special prayer gathering under the theme *‘Pilgrims of Hope’* was held at NSCN (IM) Council Headquarters, Hebron. The programme was organised by the Archdioceses of Kohima and Imphal and facilitated by the Council of Nagalim Churches (CNC).
Over 50 Naga priests and more than 20 Naga nuns representing various dioceses and parishes across Nagaland and Manipur attended the gathering, informed a press release from the MIP, NSCN/GPRN.
The Holy Eucharistic ceremony, themed “Prayer for the Nation,” witnessed the participation of an estimated 900 delegates from several Catholic organisations in the two states, it said.
Rev Dr Fr Godfrey Vilasal Thapo, convener of the gathering, served as the main celebrant of the Eucharistic Mass.
Elucidating the theme, Rev Fr Kokto Kurien likened the Naga political journey to a pilgrimage and emphasised that the Naga people are in search of peace, justice, truth, dignity, and a future reconciled with their past. This, he added, is a pursuit that the Catholic Church recognises and honours.
Reverends Dr Fr George Rino and Fr Robert Somi, in their homily, emphasised spiritual growth, sacrificial living for God's kingdom, and urged the Naga community to pray for unity through shared faith in Christ during this time of transition.
Invocation prayers and blessings for the collective leadership and members of the GPRN were offered by all the priests present, led by the main celebrant, the release said.
The programme also featured musical presentations by the PNCM catechists and Poumai Naga Catholic women. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Rev Fr Jacob Chapao and the Deputy Ato Kilonser of the GPRN.
