Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima with Reverend deacons Longshithung Marcus Yathan and Joshua Enipemo Kikon CM at St. Mary’ Church, Lakhuti on December 27.
Lakuti, December 28 (MExN): Reverend deacons Longshithung Marcus Yathan and Joshua Enipemo Kikon CM were ordained priests for the Diocese of Kohima and the Congregation of the Missions by Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima at St. Mary’ Church, Lakhuti on December 27.
Over 40 priests concelebrated with the Bishop in the solemn ceremony Religious Sisters, CAN, NCWA and NCYM officials, public leaders, church leaders, Family members, relatives and friends, stated a press release issued by Fr. Renthungo Victor, Secretary to the Bishop of Kohima.
Deacon Marcus chose the motto “My Grace is Sufficient for You” (2 Cor 12:9) and Deacon Joshua chose “The Greatest of these is Love” (1 Cor 13:13).
Deacons Marcus and Joshua, in the traditional Lotha attire were brought in with the traditional tune to the Church. They were accompanied by their parents and families. The prayer of blessing was given along with the calling of the candidate.
Rev. Fr. Pithungo Peter, Asst. Priest, St. Joseph Church Chumoukedima, anchored the ordination ceremony. Rev. Fr. Shaji Mathew, the Parish Priest St. Mary’s Church, accorded the words of welcome to the Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, government officials, Village Leaders, dignitaries, priests and sisters from different parishes, catechists, pastors of different churches, and the invited guests, other and other participants.
The Bishop in his homily, while thanking the family and village for offering Deacon Marcus and Joshua for the service of God in the Church, exhorted the candidates to be humble, building close intimacy with Jesus through the celebration of the Eucharist and prayer.” A priest is called primarily with the Lord and then to send out. One’s being must precede one’s doing. All that you are and you have is God’s gift to you. Now make a gift of your life to God, full, whole, complete in freedom. Though he is ordained priest today, his formation and learning does not end here but begins,” he stated.
The Bishop also exhorted the new priests to stay in touch with the 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 Marcus and Joshua daily in their prayers. Correct them gently when you find him straying away; boost their spirit when they feel low; appreciate them when they do well. Encourage them when they feel discouraged.”
The felicitation programme was organized in the same venue. There were special songs from CYA, St. Joseph’s Church, speeches from theProvincial Delegate, Fr. Sebastian CM, North Indian Province, Mohnthung, Chariman, Lakhuti Village Council. Rev. Frs. Joshua Enibemo CM and Marcus Longshithugn thanked all those who made him possible to stand at the altar. They recalled that they raise their hearts and minds to God in gratitude for all the blessings that God has showered upon them through many people on their journey to Priesthood.
Joseph Y Keikung anchored the felicitation programme. Time was allotted for the well wishers to felicitate the newly ordained personally and after which meal was served to all.
