Rev Fr Phomnyu John Phom CM with family and Most Reverend Dr James Thoppil after the ceremony held on December 6 in Kohima. (Photo Courtesy: Secretary to the Bishop of Kohima)
Rev Fr Phomnyu John Phom CM with family and Most Reverend Dr James Thoppil after the ceremony held on December 6 in Kohima. (Photo Courtesy: Secretary to the Bishop of Kohima)
Kohima, December 6 (MExN): Reverend Phomnyu John Phom CM was ordained a Priest on December 6 by Most Reverend Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, with the motto “To be his Witness.”
Fr Prakash Tirkey, the provincial of North Indian Province and over 20 priests concelebrated with the Bishop in the ceremony. Deacon John, dressed in traditional attire was brought in with the traditional tune to the Church. He was accompanied by family and relatives.
The prayer of blessing was given along with the calling of the candidate. Rev Fr Charles Phom, Dean of Studies, Good Shepherd Seminary, anchored the program, said a press release from Fr Renthungo Victor, Secretary to the Bishop of Kohima.
Rev Fr Alex Vizo, Parish Priest, St Joseph Church accorded words of welcome to the gathering present.
The Bishop in his homily, while thanking the family and village for offering Fr John for the service of God in the Church exhorted the candidate to be humble and build close intimacy with Jesus through the celebration of the Eucharist and prayer.
Though he is ordained priest today, his formation and learning does not end here but begins, said the bishop and encouraged the new priest to stay in touch with family and friends who can be source of strength in difficult moments of priestly ministry.
The bishop urged the family members and the Parish community to uphold Deacon John in their prayers. Rev Fr John Phom CM is the first priest from Nagaland for the congregation of the missions and the second Catholic Priest from the Phom community.
Songs were presented by CYA, St Joseph’s Church while speeches from the Rev Fr Prakash Tirkey CM, Provincial, North Indian Province; Y Kahalak Phom, Chariman, Yomgphang Village Council; L Peter Yingsham, Convener Organising Committee.
Rev Fr John acknowledged all those who made it possible for him to stand at the altar. He recalled that he 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 vocation.
