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Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, along with other priests during the inauguration of St. Paul Church in Pungro on December 13. Also seen in thepicture the bishop inaugurating a new church building in Mitelephe village in Kohima districvt on December 16.[/caption]
Dimapur, Dec. 16 (EMN): A newly built church at Pungro in Kiphire district under the patronage of St. Paul’s order was blessed and dedicated by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, on December 13.
Bishop James congratulated the parish priest Rev. Fr. Sajiom, assistant priest Fr. Stephen Kemp, sisters and the catholic community in the village for the team work through they were able to build a beautiful church within short time.
In his homily, the bishop appreciated the people of Pungro for the collaboration and hard work to build the magnificent church of God.
While asserting that material structure will not give worship to God, he said it is the Christians who are the real temple- the living temple of the Holy Spirit, can give true worship to God in their hearts.
“Without true spiritual worship, the external worship in the church will not give glory to God instead bring human satisfaction only,” the bishop stated.
Referring to the Acts of the Apostles, he said true worship is offered through listening to the teaching of the Apostles, breaking of the bread, prayer and fellowship.
“That is the reason there is the Ambo in the Church from where the teaching of the Apostles in proclaimed; there is the altar where the breaking of the bread takes places through the Eucharistic sacrifice; through the teaching of the Apostles and breaking of bread, fellowship is created and prayers are offered. In this way the community worships God in spirit and in truth,” he added.
During the ceremony, the rites of blessing of the whole church, the crucifix, the altar, the ambo and the tabernacle took place signifying the sanctity of the place of worship. Altogether 46 baptised catholic also received the sacrament.
In similar programme, the bishop inaugurated St. Teresa Church in Mitelephe village on December 16. He congratulated parish priest of
Mary Help of Christian Parish, Jakhama, Rev. Fr. Charles D’Souza; sisters and the catholic community for building the new church with interest and sacrifice.
In his homily, the bishop invited the community to make themselves the living temples by their way of life. He also asked the community to thank God for making them the living temple by baptism for which they are called to offer true and genuine sacrifice and worship in spirit and truth.
Stating that Jesus changed the then existing immoral and irreligious life not through revolution or condemnation but by way of compassion and love, the bishop said Catholics must strive to change their ‘not so good situation with a committed Christian life.’
CYA choir of Mima presented special number. Mrs Suohienou Angela, local catechist, delivered the vote of thanks.