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KHUZAMA — Along with the rest of the world, Catholic churches and institutions celebrated New Year's masses in Kohima on January 1.
Rev. Fr. Robert Pohrmen SJ, director of Eden Gardens Children's Home in Khuzama, presided over the celebration of Mary, the mother of God, along with the commencement of 2024 programme at Sacred Heart Church, Khuzama.
Delivering a sermon, he emphasised the significance of honouring Mother Mary and urged the congregation to seek her guidance throughout the coming year in finding Jesus in their daily lives.
Making comparisons with the blessings bestowed upon Israel in the Book of Numbers, Fr. Robert Pohrmen reassured the faithful that God's blessings would continue to envelop their lives, works and endeavours throughout the year.
He also highlighted St. Paul's reminder of God taking flesh in Mary's womb, which served as an invitation for believers to strive towards the divine by fostering spiritual growth. He underscored the importance of treasuring and pondering the word of God.
Fr. Pohrmen encouraged the faithful to emulate Mother Mary's example, emphasising that daily reflection and prayer on God's word would bring about transformative changes in their lives.
As the believers embarked on the journey of 2024, the priest reminded them that they were not alone as Mother Mary would always be by their side.
Fr. Pohrmen shared a thought-provoking report about three travellers interviewed by a reporter regarding their New Year's celebrations. The first traveller, when asked how he would celebrate 2024, expressed that he would not celebrate due to financial constraints, while the second traveller, posed with the same question, conveyed his intention to celebrate the new year with his family and the third traveller responded affirmatively stating that this time, he felt compelled to change his life.
Acknowledging his past unfaithfulness to God, Fr. Pohrmen narrated how the third traveller declared his resolution to commence the year by attending church on the very first day, emphasising a profound commitment to spiritual renewal.
Meanwhile, St. Chong Hasang, the Don Bosco Hostel campus church, also celebrated New Year's day eucharist at Phezhu-Jotsoma.
In his sermon, Rev. Fr. Sunny Kanjirakat, the priest in charge of the church and hostel, reflected on the symbolism of Janus, the two-faced god of January, known for his connection to beginnings, transitions and time. Janus, with his dual countenance, looks both to the past and the future, he narrated.
Fr. Sunny Kanjirakat emphasised that as people enter 2024, Janus serves as a motivating figure for cultivating a two-fold vision in our lives—one oriented toward the future and the other focused on learning from the past.
Pointing out a parallel between Janus and the New Year resolutions made by many, Fr. Sunny Kanjirakat underscored the importance of reflecting on the previous year to avoid repeating mistakes while approaching the future with hope and confidence for positive change.
Highlighting the significance of Christ as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, he emphasised the timeless nature of Christ, who remains constant and unchanging.
Quoting the biblical assurance that all things work together for good for those who love God, he encouraged the devotees to trust in the divine plan.
Using a parable of the barren fig tree, which was granted an extended time by the owner for fruitfulness, Kanjirakat compared this to the Lord granting another year of life to individuals.
The priest urged the faithful to make the most of the extended time and ensured that their lives became fruitful and beneficial to those around them.
Christ the King Church in Kohima village, St. Francis de Sales Parish in Kohima town, St. Andrew Church in Jotsoma also celebrated the mass on New Year's Day.