5th priest from Bhandari ordained

Reverend deacon Victor Renthungo, the 5th priest from Bhandari parish was ordained on December 30 by Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil. The newly ordained priest has taken on the motto from Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Bishop in his introduction said that it is a red letter day for the Catholic community of Sacred Heart Parish, Bhandari, to the diocese of Kohima and also for deacon Victor because deacon Victor will be ordained a priest, and set apart and consecrated to God’s work and His mission.
He had been preparing himself for this day for the last thirteen or more years and from now on he would be called Fr. Victor and would assume a new role and identity.
Bishop also said that the primary duty of a priest was to lift up Jesus just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert that those who looked upon it were saved.
Bishop also explained the prophetic, pastoral and priestly role of a priest. He said once ordained the priest is a marked man and impressed with the indelible character of the priesthood.
The bishop exhorted the deacon Victor to remember that it is to be his life-work to lift up Jesus Christ before men, so that he may draw them unto Him.
“To be a good priest is the hardest work and most glorious work on earth for it takes abundant love, patient love and hard work,” said the Bishop.
Deacon Victor dressed in the traditional Lotha attire was welcomed at the gate along with Bishop by the Catholic community. Rev. Fr. Philip Yangvuthung, a priest from the same parish anchored the program while parish priest Rev. Fr. Amos accorded the words of welcome to the Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, additional secretary Home K. Libanthung Lotha, ADC, Tuensang Nchumbemo Odyuo, ADC Bhandari town, Orenthung Lotha, joint secretary IPR Ethel Odyuo, previous NSF president also ex-candidate Achumbemo Kikon, invited guests, other government and village chairmen, dignitaries, priests and sisters from different parishes and other participants.
During the felicitation programme there were special items like congratulation song by the parish choir, special songs by Yantsuthung Yanthan, and Emilo kinghen, speeches from the Bishop, from Bhandari Church members and a family representative. Rev. Fr. Victor, newly ordained priest thanked all in turn and Regina Kithan proposed the vote of thanks.