Priests of the diocese of Kohima along with religious and faithful from across the diocese gathered for Chrism Mass on March 22 at the Holy Cross Parish Church, as Bishop James Thoppil blessed three urns of oil, oil of the catechumens, oil of the chrism and oil of the sick.
Bishop James in his homily said that the Chrism Mass was a unique gathering that has a special significance as priests, renew their commitment to priestly service and unity of presbyterate with the bishop. He added that the blessing of the oil was a reminder of how the fundamental unity within the diocese was built upon the sacramental life of the Church represented by the oils.
Secretary to bishop Thomas Toretkiu, in a press release further informed that the bishop further exhorted the priests and the faithful to promote oneness and unity; and thanked brother priests, for their faithfulness in priesthood and commitment in ministry.
During the mass, diocesan and religious order priests working in the diocese renewed their vows, was followed by a short felicitation programme under the initiative of the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN).
The highlights of the programme included a choral presentation from Holy Cross Parish, which was followed by words of appreciation by the president of Catholic Association of Nagaland Elias T. Lotha.
It may be mentioned that two important events take place during the Chrism Mass, namely the preparation, blessing of the oil and renewal of the promises by the priests.