KOHIMA/DIMAPUR — Several churches in Nagaland including St. Francis de Sales (SFS) parish in Kohima town and Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers' Hill Kohima (CBCMHK) celebrated Father’s Day with pomp and gaiety.
Delivering sermon at St. Francis de Sales (SFS) parish in Kohima town, the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Mhabemo Matthew, has reminded the love of God towards mankind by sending His Son (Jesus Christ) to save humankind. He reminded the mothers to be affectionate and caring towards their husbands at home in order to keep the love alive in the family.
Interacting with Eastern Mirror after the service, Rev. Matthew expressed ‘immense pride’ in being Nagas as their ancestors were courageous warriors, sincere and honest, hardworking individuals who cherished peace and fostered friendly relations. He maintained how their forefathers bequeathed them with those profound cultures, which they hold dearly.
"As we commemorate Father's Day, we extend our heartfelt wishes to all our Naga fathers, urging them to embrace and pass on these cultural values to the next generation," the priest said adding "Together, let us strive to create a brighter future for Nagaland, making it an even more desirable place to call home."
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Extending greetings during the mass, Seyiesino Martha said, "Father's Day is a day for honouring one's father or relevant father figure as well as fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society."
"God took the strength of a mountain, the patience of eternity and combined them to create the person we call daddy," she said while acknowledging the fathers for their selfless sacrifice, infinite patience and the love they have for their children and family.
While presenting a song, Martha reminded not to lose the legacy and good deeds left by those male parents who have departed.
Fathers were showered with love through gifts and special numbers from ACYA SFS and Thejakhrienuo Angel Suohu.
A silent prayer was observed for fathers, who are sick and those who are no more.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]In a related programme, the Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers' Hill Kohima celebrated Father's Day on the theme 'As for me and my household.'
Speaking on the theme, Husazu Epao, retired principal of Patkai Christian College, expounded on what the Bible says about fatherhood.
“As fathers, there are a lot of responsibilities in the world and one needs deeper understandings of the Bible,” he said and added that society has become selfish because they don't read the Bible.
He further told the fathers to fulfill their responsibilities entrusted upon by God saying that they would be held accountable for their sons and daughters.
A total of 10 groups from different colonies participated in the folk song competitions. The first prize was won by Old Ministers' Hill and Porterlane colonies, while Lerie, NST, and New Reserve colonies won the second place and New Ministers' Hill won third place.