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(L) Fathers being feliciated at the Mary Help of Christian Church, Cathedral Parish, Kohima, on the occasion of father’s day celebration on June 18. (R) Fathers presenting song during competition hour at the Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers’ Hill, Kohima, on fathers’ day.[/caption]
Kohima, June 18 (EMN): Along with the rest of the world, various churches across Nagaland observed Father’s Day by paying glowing tributes to fathers on the day.
In Kohima, Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers’ Hill, Kohima (CBCMHK) observed the “Fathers Day” in the church premises on the theme “A father’s instruction.”
Speaking on the occasion, the theme speaker, Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, Senior Pastor CBCMHK, said father is the strength of home and the responsibility being empowered to a father is wonderful and excellent. Shouldering the responsibility of a father is one of the biggest responsibilities worldwide adding the progress and prosperity of a nation lies in the hands of fathers.
He urged upon the fathers to bring up their children according to the instructions of the Almighty God. He said moulding up the family with prayer, bible reading and giving time to thank God will be enriched in all aspects.
The day observation was marked with colony-wise song competition comprising 10 colonies, video display on wishing the fathers, dedicatory song presentation, presentation of fathers’ gifts, love sharing tea table etc.
The worship service was led by Men’s’ Fellowship chairperson, Vehusa Dzudo.
Deacon Mayhu Sasu said the invocation, while Deacon Kedukhwe Curha pronounced the offertory prayer, women group presented special song, Head Deacon Rhucho Tureng prayed for the fathers and the former NLA Speaker, Z Lohe led in the Scripture reading.
Meanwhile, Mary Help of Christian Church, Cathedral Parish, Kohima, also observed the Father’s Day on June 18 with Rev. Fr. Johnny Padinjareporiyath, the outgoing Assistant Parish Priest, as the main celebrant during which a special prayers was offered for all fathers.
In his homily Rev. Fr. Johnny thanked and assured prayers to all the fathers. He referred on the liturgical feast of Corpse Christi (the body and blood of Jesus) which coincided with the Fathers’ day celebration). He explained the significance, the belief in the body and blood of Jesus Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist.
He further highlighted on the importance of the being united with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. He said each of our body should be nourished with the reception of the Holy Eucharist, word of God and Prayers, saying these three elements help Christians get a full meal spiritually.
Felicitation songs were performed by the mothers’ association, youth and catechism children of Cathedral Parish. Over hundred fathers joined the celebration. The fathers were presented with surprising gift.
In yet another programme, St Xavier’s Catholic Church, Kidima, observed Father’s Day with Rev. Fr. Raymond D’Souza SJ, Director of Eden Garden, Children Home, Khuzama, in the church premises on June 18.
Father’s Day was observed coinciding with the Body and Blood of Jesus feast. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Raymond D’Souza SJ said Jesus did not give money or land to his Apostles but offered body and blood for everlasting remembrance in Eucharist.
The priest also appealed the parents (Fathers) to love and care for their children and family. He called upon the large gathering to give peace, joy and love to the children. He also advised the children to give respect, obey, love, pray, support and make happy to their parents so that God will reward them in return.
Special song was presented by Vivotsole Rufina and friends, while felicitation to fathers was presented by Kidima Catholic Youth Association. Franciscan Sisters of Saint Mary of the Angels (FSMA), children and youth also joined in the programme.