Jubilee celebration of the Diocese of Kohima commences today

KOHIMA — The golden jubilee celebration of the Diocese of Kohima is set to take place from October 27 to 29 at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral in Kohima.

At a press conference held at the cathedral on Thursday, Johnny Ruangmei, president of the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), announced that delegates from both within and outside the country are set to attend the event.

The delegates expected to attend the celebration include bishops from northeast India, the US Consulate General in Kolkata, a deputy nuncio, and representatives from the United States, Germany, Italy, and Australia, among others.

According to Ruangmei, more than 10,000 people are expected to participate in the celebration.

The jubilee programme will begin with a reception ceremony for dignitaries on Friday, followed by ‘Holy Rosary and Confession’.

On Saturday, there will be a mass, the unveiling of the jubilee plaque, Holy Eucharist, a Marian procession, and a cultural night, with the governor of Nagaland as the special guest and the chief minister as the guest of honour.

Sunday’s programme will feature Holy Eucharist, followed by the jubilee feast.

On the occasion, Bishop James Thoppil reflected on the historical transition from the Diocese of Kohima-Imphal to the independent Diocese of Kohima and emphasised the need for Catholics to rededicate themselves to the service of society.

Rev. Fr. Vemedo Joseph Kezo, parish priest of Mary Help of Christians Cathedral and jubilee convenor, emphasised the celebration’s commitment to Catholic services while Bishop James shared plans to transform the cathedral into a pilgrimage centre, spiritual house, and prayer centre, aiming to make it a mini basilica in northeast India, attracting visitors from all over the world.

It may be mentioned that the Kohima Cathedral has undergone extensive renovations and preparations to meet the needs of the jubilee celebration.

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