Feast of St. John Marie Baptiste Vianney, patron saint of all the Diocesans priests was celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish, Dimapur 4th Mile on August 3 and 4.
On 4th the day began with the solemn eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Jose Lukose, the Sacerdotal Jubilarian with bishop James Thoppil and around 70 Priests. The community of Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish and the sisters of Carmelite (CMC) participated in the solemn eucharistic celebration.
During the homily Fr. Jose Lukose recalled with gratitude the innumerable blessings he received from the Lord and also some trying moments that he underwent during his 25 years as a priest. Recalling the experience of John Mary Vianney who overcame dark moments in his life through intense prayer, he said that it was prayer and support of a couple of priests that enabled him to sail through the rough years of life.
Fr. Jose Lukose was felicitated by the Diocesan fraternity. Later a grand felicitation programme was organized by Carmel Hr. Sec. School, 4th Mile along with the CMC sisters felicitate the diocesan Fathers.
Earlier on August 3, a friendly cricket match was played between fathers from Dimapur – Kohima district and the rest of the districts of the state. In the evening the diocesan fraternity gathered together for a meeting to discuss various issues pertaining to the smooth running of the Diocese. Bishop in his concluding remark appreciated his priests for their dedicated and committed work in the different parts of the state of Nagaland, braving all hardship and trials.
Parish priest of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Rev. Fr. James K.C. the host extended words of welcome to the fathers and others who had came to participate in the eucharist.
Rev. Fr. Jacob Charalel, the president of diocesan fraternity, before the Holy Mass, elaborated on the importance of the day and briefed on the life and works of St. John Mary Vianney and also introduced the main celebrant Fr. Jose Lukose. On behalf of the Diocesan Fraternity, Fr. Anthony Rozu, the treasurer of the diocesan fraternity thanked Fr. James K.C, the parish priests, Fr. Victor Renthungo, the assistant priest, the sisters of CMC congregation and the parish community for the hard work they put in to make the celebration a grand success. He also thanked the fathers for taking trouble to come over for this annual celebration.