EMN
Dimapur, November 8
The newly built St. Michael’s Church in Kigwema was blessed and inaugurated by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, on November 7 in the presence of large crowd and village officials. Representatives from various churches, associations, and parishes were present at the inaugural function.
Bishop, in his homily, congratulated the community of Kigwema along with Rev. Fr. Jerome Veigas and his team for constructing a big and beautiful church.
‘Church is also sign of the Christian presence and closeness of God,’ the Bishop said adding ‘every church is a grace from God and God dwells it in a very special manner, particularly if the eucharist is preserved in it.’ He said physical church is only the manifestation of a real and true church- i.e. every Christians. Stating that every Christians is Christ bearer, he encouraged the believers to manifest Christ to others.
Referring to St. Paul who said each of us is a temple of the Holy Spirit, the Bishop said we should be a living temple and manifest God’s presence in us.
Bishop urged to make the church a living church, worship the living God, and to build ourselves as true temple of God.
The Church is named or dedicated under the patronage of St. Michael, the archangel. In the catholic tradition all churches are named after saints to show their communion with them and their special patronage and protection for the community. The name Michael in Hebrew means, “Who is like unto God.” He is pictured as a strong warrior for God and known as the prince of the heavenly host, who continues to defend the Church and Christians against the onslaught of the devil.
Rev. Fr. Jerome Veigas, parish priest of Jakhama Parish, expressed his sincere gratitude to Rev. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima; Vikho-O Yhoshü, local MLA and Parliamentary Secretary; and special guests from far and near for gracing the occasion with their presence and prayers. He thanked to all the benefactors and others who spiritually and physically contributed to build the church. He also acknowledged late Methodius, a church leader, for his work to build the church.
Vibelie Peter Sale anchored the programme, while the choir enchanted the audience with their melodious voices. Zakievotuo Zakaria, briefed the audience about the church history. Ms Kethezie Kecii presented gift to all the invited guests and Zhalezo Victor proposed the vote thanks.
