Catholics observe Good Friday and Easter Vigil

Kohima — St. Mary’s Parish Church in Lakhuti village under Wokha district observed Good Friday with religious fervour and zeal.

The parishioners solemnly participated in the ‘Way of the Cross to Mount Calvary,’ symbolising the final hours of Jesus to His death at Calvary, which began from Lakhuti village local ground to the church.

During the communion service, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Chang, the parish priest, narrated how Christ allowed Himself to be treated as a criminal, to suffer at the hands of sinners, and to die an agonising death after 600 soldiers were sent to arrest Him in the night.

Fr. Chang said that the King Jesus won the battle and defeated death for which they are to share in that victory which was given by the institution of the Sacraments. He explained that the meaning of Good Friday is beyond human comprehension.

“Nonetheless, on this holy day, we are called to prayerfully ponder on the meaning of this perfect act of love, so that we will more fully share in the grace given to us by our Lord,” Chang said.

According to him, the death was horrific from the human perspective but His death was the glorious fulfillment of His will from the perspective of the father in heaven.

St. Mary’s Parish Church in Lakhuti is the first catholic community church in Nagaland located at the remote areas of the state. Lakhuti village is famous for having so many first class officers because of the Catholic education.

St. Francis de Sales Parish in Kohima town also observed Easter Vigil on Saturday evening.

Rev. Fr. Vanghese Palathingal SDB and Rev. Fr. Mathew Humtsoe emphasised on the compassion of the Christ towards sinners during the services held at the parish and its premises.

In a related programme, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Kidima observed Good Friday at the church premises led by Rev. Fr. MP Thomas, rector of Bosco Teacher’s Education College, Dimapur.

In his sermon, Fr. MP Thomas urged the faithful not to take revenge on others as God does not take revenge. He urged the faithful to forgive people those who hurts them and asked for grace to forgive.

Activities such as ‘Way of the cross,’ message from the gospel, veneration of the cross followed by communion by the faithful were the highlights of the day.

Meanwhile, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kezo Basa celebrated Easter Vigil on Saturday with Rev. Fr. MP Thomas as the main celebrant in church premises.

In his homily, Fr. MP Thomas highlighted the faith of Abraham and Moses, who led Israelites to cross the Red Sea.

Eucharist celebration, making new fire, renewal of the baptism, baptism of two children, proclamation of Easter, enchanting of gloria, litany of Mother Mary and saints, blessings of holy water and sprinkling to faithful were the sacred ceremony of the liturgy.