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EMN
Dimapur, May 25
Mary Help of Christians Parish, Catholic Cathedral Kohima, has celebrated its silver jubilee on May 24 and 25. The two day celebration began with the unfurling of the jubilee flag by the Bishop of the Diocese of Kohima Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, and the unveiling of the jubilee memorial monolith by the Archbishop of the Diocese of Imphal Rev. Dominic Lumon, on May 24.
The day culminated with a solemn candle lit Rosary procession around the outer wall of the Cathedral, carrying the statue of Mother Mary, which was a unique sight and spiritual experience for many. Little showers of blessing by way of little drizzle only fortified the faith of the people in the powerful intercession of Mary under the title ‘Help of Christians.’ The most important programme was the solemn thanksgiving Holy Eucharist on May 25 which was presided over by the Archbishop of Imphal Rev. Dominic Lumon, and concelebrated by Archbishop of Shillong Rev. Dominic Jala, Bishop of Agartala Rev. Lumon Monteiro, Bishop of Diphu Rev. Paul Mattekkattu, Bishop of the Diocese of Kohima Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, and scores of priests from various parishes of the diocese. Many of the past parish priests and assistant priests, sisters of FMA and FCC congregations and many leaders of the community were present during the celebration.In his homily, Archbishop Dominic Jala, explained that jubilee is a time to celebrate in the present; to give thanks for the blessings of the past; and to look forward in hope to the future.
On the solemn occasion, 79 people received the Sacrament of Confirmation while 63 children received first Holy Communion. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was followed by a felicitation programme and community festive meal.
During the felicitation programme, the bishop priests, who worked in the parish, sisters and catechists were honoured. Before the commencement of the Eucharistic celebration, Rev. Fr. Neisalhou Carolus, Vicar General of the Diocese and the Parish Priest of the Cathedral Parish, has accorded warm welcome to everyone.
Earlier in the day, the foundation stone for the Jubilee Memorial Hall was blessed by Rev. Dominic Jala. Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, in his welcome address, enlightened the gathering about the importance of Cathedral. He explained that Cathedral is a church that also serves as the seat of the bishop and a centre of worship and teaching. Normally it is the main church of the dioceses and the largest and most impressive one.
He recalled with gratitude and affection late bishop Abraham Alangimattathil, the mastermind and the architect of the magnificent cathedral. “The Cathedral Church of Kohima is the remarkable testimony to the faith, vision and uncompromising hard labour of Lt. Bishop Abraham Alangimattathil and today it is the second best place visited by tourists to Nagaland,” he said. It may be mentioned that the Cathedral Parish has around 600 families with 3000 people. The choir for the entire programme was led by the Catholic Cathedral youth. A large number of priests, religious and thousands of lay faithful from different parts of the diocese participated in the celebration. During the occasion, a booklet named “House of prayer’ and the souvenir of the Cathedral parish were also released.