Staff Reporter
Dimapur, January 6
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Catholic Church of Nagaland today ordained the first Rongmei priest from Nagaland, Rev. Gaikhangdim Gabriel, after 12 years of his religious training and theological studies, in an elaborate priestly ordination ceremony held at St.Joseph Parish Chumukedima this morning.
Gabriel was escorted to the church in a public procession with traditional chorus “Hoey” by a troupe from Nkwareu village, Jalukie and traditional dance by troupe of Diphupar ‘A’ Rongmei community.
A galaxy of priests in gleaming robes and large numbers of people across the state gathered in the jam-packed church to witness the solemn consecration service.A 31-year-old Gabriel, the second child of G.Jacob and Christina from Diphupar, Dimapur has an elder brother Joshua who is serving in the Army and one yonger sister Mercy who is in the IRB.
Bishop of Kohima Diocese, Most Rev.Dr. James Thoppil in his homily address to the gathering, described the occasion as “the day of great blessings and a challenge to take up consecrated life in the mission of the church and service to God.”
He also advised the newly ordained priest to be humble, patient, holy, loving, hard working and faithful to his priesthood in the ministry of Christ, saying the significance of priesthood is ‘not to be served but to serve’ God and mankind through which a priest receives constant joy.
Expressing deep gratitude to the parents of Fr. Gabriel, the Bishop in the same breath urged them to continue to support their son through prayers to be a good priest, saying a priest is also a human. Deviation from the tradition of catholic discipline and unscrupulous act may sully the image of the priesthood and the church, the catholic territorial head said.
Soon after the Holy Mass, a felicitation programme was organised to honour the newly ordained. Parish Pastoral Council Secretary M.C.Ashuli Joseph conducted the programme. Special numbers were presented by Parish Women Association and CYA Diphupar-A. Presentation of gifts, photo session and speeches from the Bishop, Fr.Gabriel and his father Jacob also added to the significance of the memorable day.
