Nagaland: NBC, St. Mary’s CC celebrate Platinum Jubilee

Ngozübomi Baptist Church (NBC) and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lakhuti—celebrated their Platinum Jubilee, commemorating 75 years of faith and service to the community.
Gracing the NBC platinum jubilee as special guest on Sunday, advisor, Land Resources Department, G. Ikuto Zhimomi, said Jubilee was not confined to organizational mandates or guidelines framed by associations such as SBAK, NBCC, CBCNEI or World Baptist Convention, but was essentially a divine promise rooted in the scriptures.
“Jubilee is not merely a set of rules or commands; it is a sacred promise from God,” he stated, reminding that Jubilee must be observed in holiness and faith, reflecting commitment to the teachings of the Bible. He described Jubilee as a time of liberation, rest, restoration and peace, adding that the 75-year journey of NBC was a testimony of maturity in Christ and faith. Ikuto extended his wishes to the congregation, praying that the Almighty bless the jubilee celebration with happiness, love, longevity and generations of blessings. The programme was attended by church leaders, community members and well-wishers.
Meanwhile, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lakhuti, celebrated its Platinum Jubilee from January 16 to 18, 2025 under the theme “Thy Kingdom Come, O Lord” (Mt. 6:10). The jubilee concluded with a solemn Holy Mass on the final day, with Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima Diocese, as the main celebrant.
The three-day celebration was observed as a call for forgiveness, reconciliation and unity, reminding the faithful of their pilgrimage as members of the Catholic Church. On the opening day, Rev. Fr. N.K. George blessed the jubilee site, followed by the release of a commemorative postal envelope by Echungthung Yanthan, Asst. Director of Postal Services. The second day featured Holy Eucharistic Celebration led by Rev. Fr. Abraham Lotha, the first priest from Lakhuti village, and a Eucharistic Procession around the village.
On the final day, Bishop Thoppil presided over the Holy Mass and blessed the new church building and Platinum Jubilee monolith. The monolith was unveiled by Yanjo Veronica Yanthan, wife of pioneer Yantsao Lucus Yanthan, while the ribbon-cutting and opening of the church door were performed by Abraham Santsuo Humtsoe, son of pioneer Shanpano Zechariah Humtsoe.
In his homily, Bishop Thoppil congratulated the Catholic community of Lakhuti on completing 75 years of faith and recalled the sacrifices of pioneers who embraced Catholicism despite opposition and prejudice. Quoting Romans 8:35–39, he emphasized that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ. He described Lakhuti as a beacon of hope, blessed with faith, sacraments, the Word of God and fellowship, noting that the Catholic Church in Nagaland was first established in Lakhuti before spreading to neighbouring villages.
The Bishop urged the faithful to remember the past with gratitude, live the present with renewed commitment, and look to the future with hope. He reminded that the jubilee was not merely a remembrance of the past but a call to renew faith and commitment in today’s world. The celebration concluded with a felicitation programme chaired by Jonas Yanthan, with speeches from Dr. Johnny Ruangmei, outgoing president of the Catholic Association of Nagaland, and Mhathung Yanthan, advisor to the Government of Nagaland. The vote of thanks was delivered by Elias T. Lotha.