DIMPAUR, AUGUST 22: St. Dominic Church in Kiphire village celebrated its silver jubilee with the Bishop of Kohima, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, as the main celebrant on August 21. Paul Lipio, the first Catholic unveiled the Jubilee monolith, blessed by the Bishop.
The Bishop, in his introduction, thanked God for the ‘faith’ of the 25years. He congratulated the community for their steadfastness and fidelity and overcoming all oppositions and obstacles. It was also an occasion to remember and pray for those pioneering missionaries and those present who continuous to nourish their spiritual life.
Bishop, in his homily, elucidated the gospel in which Jesus spoke of the narrow way to heaven. He further spoke of the three important aspects of a jubilee celebration namely to remember the past with gratitude, to live the present with passion and to look to the future with hope. Every jubilee, he said, is an apt occasion to remember, recall and be grateful to all the people who led us to the present state. The past gives us the foundation to live the present, which to be lived with passion – greater commitment and fidelity, he said.
He said as Christians, the faith of our fathers must make us better Christians, translating the faith in action, living our life according to the Christian principles and values, adding such a life would distinguish us from the rest.
He said jubilee is also the time to look to the future with hope. “Our hope is based not on our strength but on God who assures us as He did to Jeremiah. If God is with us, who can be against us? asked the bishop. He concluded by saying that our life as Christians is led by faith not by sight.
The jubilee celebration began with the words of welcome by Rev. Fr. John Ntonse, parish priest.
The Bishop, during his speech, assured the community of the commitment of the Catholic Church for higher education in the region and the urgent need to create an atmosphere of peace and security for all people. Daniel Sechopi proposed the vote of thanks.
