
Dimapur, December 11 (MExN): The newly built St. Xavier’s Church Zhawame was blessed and inaugurated by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima December 11 during a special Thanksgiving Mass on the occasion of the Perpetual Profession of Rev. Srs. Savirhii Esther Dukru and Krosalii Rose Hesiih held at Porba on December 10, informed a press note from the Bishop’s Secretary.
Inaugurating the newly built church, Rev. Dr. Thoppil congratulated the Zhavame community for great optimism, hope and their untiring work to complete the Church despite the great tragedy which destroyed the previous Church completely on October 18, 2014.
Sharing his homily, the Bishop reflected on the writing of St. Paul in the Corinthians, “You are God’s temple;”“Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit;” and “We are the temple of the living God.”
He also invited the community to make themselves the living temples by their way of life.
“While thanking God for the gift of this beautiful and big church, we must be more grateful to God for making each of us the living temple by baptism because of which we are called to offer true and genuine sacrifice and worship in spirit and truth with our upright and gospel based life,” the Bishop added.
Earlier the service began with prayers for the blessing of the Church where the Bishop blessed the walls of the Church and then main door of the Church, signifying Christ as the door of sheep fold through which sheep come and go and find pastors.
He also blessed the crucifix symbolizing the redemptive work of Jesus, the ambo signifying the table of the word from where one is nourished by the teaching of the apostles.
The altar that represents the table of the Eucharist was also dedicated, anointed and incensed.
The Zhavame choir presented a song which beautifully heightened the spiritual and sacred atmosphere of the celebration.
Rev. Dr. James Thoppil also congratulated Rev. Srs. Rose Hesuh (Krosalü) and Esther Dukru (Savirhü), for their final commitment in religious life in the Marian Congregation of the Houses of Charity and assured them of the community’s prayers and continued support.
Rekha Rose Dukru anchored the short felicitation programme during which CYA Choir of Zhavame felicitated the two finally professed sisters with their melodious tunes. Rev. Sr. Savirhii Esther expressed words of gratitude to all who promoted in her vocation and to those present.
Among others, Rev. Fr. James Thsepongkiu, Parish Priest, Razeba; Deo Nukhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Higher & Technical Education and his lady wife; Rev. Sr. Ines, Major Superior of Minor Carmelites of Charity from Italy; Sr. Mary, Regional Superior, Rev. Fr. David, responsible of the Marian Congregation of the Houses of Charity, India; other Fathers and Sisters from various parishes in Nagaland and delegates from DAN, NCWA, NCYM, many invited guests and the community take part in the celebration.
Sarhiinyi John, Local Catechist proposed vote of thanks while the concluding prayer was pronounced by Salunyi Joseph Shupao and ended with common meals served to all.