Phek, December 28 (MExN): Rev. Fr. Vekupa Rhakho George was ordained a priest by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima at St. Mary School Ground in Lozaphuhu, Phek on December 28, 2016. He is the second Catholic priest from Lozaphuhu village. Dressed in traditional dress, Fr. George was led to the altar by the village elders in traditional Chakhesang attire.
The ordination ceremony began after the proclamation of the gospel, after which the parents of Fr. George prayed over him and removed the traditional attire symbolizing him being set apart for God’s work. Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, the Vicar General, presented the candidate for ordination, which was followed by the homily of the Bishop.
Bishop thanked the parents and relatives of Fr. George for offering him to the service of God in the Church. “Jesus invites people to share in his ministerial priesthood, not because of the innate merit of the person, rather because of God’s love for him. God empowers one who is called,” the Bishop stated, according to a press release from the Bishop’s secretary, Fr. Thomas Toretkiu.
Rev. Dr. James also stressed the three aspects of priestly call referring to the gospel of St. John: “God has chosen you (Jn 15:16), God wants one to be with him (Jn 15:3); God wants to send you (Jn 15:16).” The Bishop maintained that the Holy Spirit is the very oxygen of God enabling the Body of Christ, the Church, to breathe in the very essence of God, empowering each individual member of that Body to be engaged in mission.
“As you offer yourself today to be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, know that the Lord wishes to do great things in you. He wants you to be for His People the true ‘face of Christ’, one whom the people can easily identify as a man of God, one entrusted with the Divine Mysteries,” he encouraged Fr. George.
He also requested the congregation to uphold Deacon George daily in their prayers so that he may discern God’s plan for him and in his ministry. “Correct him (Fr. George) gently when you find him straying away; boost his spirit when he feel low; appreciate him when he is doing well, encourage him when he feels discouraged for priesthood is a great treasure given in vessels of clay,” the Bishop told the congregation.
After the homily, the proper ordination ceremony began with questioning the candidate, invocation for the power of the Holy Spirit by praying the litany of the saints, laying on of hands, prayer of consecration, investiture in the priestly attire, anointing on of hands, presentation of the gifts of bread and wine for the Eucharistic celebration and the kiss of peace, the release added.
Deacon Vekupa Rhakho George, born on September 30, 1985, is the fourth son of seven siblings: five boys and two girls. Growing up, he desired to be in the army, but gradually another lifestyle, that of the priest, began to grow in him, it was stated.
He began his studies in pursuit of priesthood in the year 2000 at St. Xavier Seminary Jalukie (High School), Newman Bible College, Chumukedima (+1), St. Xavier Seminary, Jalukie (+2), Vianney Home, Chabua, Assam (Spiritual Orientation), St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama (Bachelor of Arts, Sociology), Sacred Heart Church, Chizami (1st Year Regency), Papal Seminary of St. Francis Xavier, Pune (Bachelor in Philosophy + Master in Philosophy), St. Francis Xavier Church, Shamator (2nd Year Regency), Papal Seminary of St. Francis Xavier, Pune (Bachelor in Theology), Ordained Deacon by Bishop Valerian D’Souza (Bishop Emeritus of Pune).
Fr. George expressed words of gratitude to all who were instrumental in leading to the altar of the Lord.
Rev. Fr. Lawrence, SJ, and Mhashepalu Marina anchored the program, which was attended by priests, sisters, leaders from CAN, NCWA, NCYM, pastors of various churches, public leaders and invited guests. Choir and special presentation by Whuories added color to the ceremony.
