Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 2 (NPN): Rongmei Catholic Pui Dimphuam Nagaland (RCPDN) and Kohima Moilan Yanchu Kyon Ekhung (KMYKE) celebrated their 25th anniversary on October 2. At St. Thomas Church, Mhainamtsi, Jalukie, the three day celebration of RCPDN commenced under the theme “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she faces the future with confidence; she speaks with wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:25 26).
Addressing the gathering at the felicitation programme, Johnny Ruangmei, Joint Chief Executive Officer, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, said Jubilee was not only a time for celebration but also for reflection and thanksgiving for blessings received despite challenges along the journey.
He referred to the Biblical tradition of Jubilee in the Book of Leviticus, noting that it provided an opportunity to reflect on God’s blessings and urged the faithful to maintain a spirit of gratitude and happiness regardless of circumstances.
Drawing from Psalm 23, Ruangmei reminded believers to face difficulties with faith, recalling the words, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.” He encouraged the community to become instruments of happiness and to make efforts to bring joy to others.
He further called upon the younger generation to preserve and strengthen the faith handed down by their forefathers and remain steadfast in their belief in God. Delivering a short speech, Jonas Yanthan, president of the Catholic Association of Nagaland, dwelt on the significance of the theme and explained what he described as the four pillars of Catholic life-profession of faith, sacraments, morality and prayer.
He said the first pillar, profession of faith, represented the declaration “I believe” and had been central to the Catholic faith since the early Church. He referred to the formulation of the Nicene Creed as part of the Church’s response to early theological disputes and stressed the importance of firmly professing one’s faith rather than identifying oneself as Catholic merely in name. On the second pillar, sacraments, Yanthan highlighted the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church- Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance or Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony and Holy Orders. He particularly stressed the importance of the Eucharist and reconciliation, while explaining the role of Holy Orders and the responsibilities of bishops, priests and deacons.
Yanthan said the third pillar, morality, concerned how Christians conduct themselves in everyday life. He cautioned against corruption, theft, hatred and wrongdoing, urging people to live according to the Ten Commandments and the teaching to “love your neighbour as yourself.” On prayer, he emphasised understanding its true purpose rather than treating it as a means of seeking material wealth.
Using an anecdote of a woman abandoned by her husband and left to raise children in difficult circumstances, he illustrated the importance of prayer’s proper foundation. He said the Lord’s Prayer provided this foundation and encouraged the faithful to pray with understanding while making use of the abilities and opportunities given by God.
Yanthan urged Catholics to deepen their knowledge of faith, saying that being Catholic should involve both belief and a corresponding way of life. Earlier, the felicitation programme was chaired by jubilee secretary Rose Anamma, with a welcome address by jubilee convener Acham Kamei. The blessing and unveiling of the Jubilee Souvenir and Constitution was initiated by Rev. Fr. Jacob Charalel, Chancellor, Diocese of Kohima.
Meanwhile, at Bayavu sector, Kohima Lotha Baptist Church, the KMYKE celebrated its 25th anniversary under the theme “Opvui Pfutsson ji” (Enio to Echungta Kako 5:13).
Delivering the jubilee message, Renathung Humtsoe, associate pastor of Moilan Baptist Church, described the occasion as a blessing and urged the gathering to praise the Lord for His grace. He emphasised strengthening Christian faith through forgiveness, reconciliation and mutual support, noting that true fellowship was not about gifts or feasting but about building deeper relationships with God and living out biblical teachings. He also informed that Moilan Baptist Church would celebrate its centenary in December and invited prayers and participation.
Exhorting the gathering, Athungo Ovung, professor, Department of Sociology, NU, Lumami, reminded members that the Ekhung was founded with a purpose beyond social gatherings. He acknowledged the founder’s vision and stressed values of unity, mutual encouragement, prayer and collective responsibility. Extending greetings, Nchumbemo Humtsoe, retired technical supervisor, DIPR, appreciated the founder’s initiative in establishing the Ekhung to preserve identity, heritage and traditional values. He recalled that the Ekhung began with 12 households and had since grown to over 20, reflecting steady growth.
The programme included a minute of silence for departed members led by KMYKE chairman N Yanbemo Ovung, special songs presented by Wontsuthung Humtsoe and Loreno Pochury, blessings prayer and release of the memory book by MBC pastor Rev. Ruphamo Kikon, Bible reading by Mmhademo M Humtsoe, and offering prayer by KLBC accountant Emilo Humtsoe. Founders and members were felicitated during the event.