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Seen in the picture are priests under Kohima Diocese during the celebration of Chrism Mass and Priesthood Day at Christ King Church on April 16.[/caption]
Dimapur, April 17 (EMN): Priests of Kohima Diocese along with religious and faithful filled the Christ King Church to capacity on April 16 for the Chrism Mass- a highlight of Holy Week, as Bishop James Thoppil blessed three urns of oil: oil of the catechumens, oil of the chrism, and oil of the sick.
It may be mentioned that two important events take place during the Chrism Mass namely the preparation, blessing of the oil and renewal of the promises by the priests. The blessing and distribution of oils is central to the Catholic Church’s sacraments and rites.
Chrism Mass is traditionally associated with Holy Thursday, with the blessing of the oils taking place at a morning Mass followed by an evening Mass recalling Jesus’ institution of the priesthood and Eucharist at the Last Supper.
Bishop James, in his homily, said the Chrism Mass, "is a very unique gathering that has a special significance for us- ordained priests and to the people of the local church, as we priests, renew our commitment to priestly service and unity of our presbyterate with the bishop.
“Blessing of the oil reminds us of how our fundamental unity within the diocese is built upon the sacramental life of the Church which these oils represent,” He added.
While emphasising the importance and significance of the gathering of the priests of the diocese of Kohima as one body in unison with bishop, he said, “It is a loud and clear proclamation to people around us that though we are different in many ways – differences in language and culture, tribe and talents, size and shapes, views and opinions, yet we can be united, live and work as one body.” He therefore exhorted the priests and the faithful to promote oneness and unity.
While addressing the priest he said, “our ministry is not something that derive from us or for ourselves. It comes from our anointing with the oil of the Holy Spirit. We become ministers of the Spirit in the measure in which we follow the path of Jesus whom we remember in the Holy Week as the one who emptied Himself.”
Turning to the gathering, bishop asked the faithful to pray for their priests and support them all times.
The bishop shared a personal note of appreciation for his brother priests: "I want to thank you all my brother priests, for your faithfulness in priesthood and commitment in ministry. Let no one doubt, the goodness of our priests, their sincerity and generous of the Church with great dedication.”
During the Mass, diocesan and religious order priests working in the diocese renewed their vows. The Holy Mass was followed by a short felicitation programme under the initiative of the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN).
The highlights of the programme included a choral presentation from Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement and greetings song by Lide and friends. Simon Dzuvichu, CAN president, proposed the words of appreciation.
On April 15, priests gathered together for meeting and discussion and the morning of April 16 was spent in prayer and reflection, which was facilitated by Fr. Arul Soosai SJ, Parish Priest Phesama. He focused on the theme, “Personal encounter with Jesus.”
It may be mentioned that priests will return to their own respective parishes to officiate the Holy Week celebrations namely the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday, the solemn celebration of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday, the Easter Vigil Saturday evening and Mass for Easter Day on Sunday.