Catholic community of St. Mary’s Church (SMC), Merapani celebrated golden jubilee on December 27 and 28 with the theme “He is a Living God and He will rule forever” (Daniel 6:26), with Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima as the main celebrant of the jubilee holy eucharist on December 28.
A press release from Bishop’s secretary, Fr. Victor Renthungo stated that, Elias T Lotha, Transport Commissioner, graced the occasion as the special guest. Bishop James Thoppil, blessed the jubilee monolith which was unveiled by Elias T Lotha.
Bishop in his homily said that jubilee was the time to express gratitude to God who inspired and guided every step of the pioneers of this community who had ventured out to accept and to live a faith that was not so familiar and welcome.
Bishop added that their sacrifices and dedication bore fruit, while he also said that jubilee is also a time to live the present with passion and is a call to re-dedicate and renew one’s life according to the principles of Jesus Christ.
Elias T Lotha, speaking on the occasion exhorted the community to be a living example to go out of one’s comfort zones to spread the message of the Gospel. He further called upon the Catholic community to profess their faith with conviction and firmness.
On behalf of the Lotha Catholic Union jubilee greeting message was also pronounced. Jubilee special event was the eucharistic procession where in the faithful marched in procession along with the Holy Sacrament around the village to seek God’s blessing upon the village. Jubilee choir of Catholic Youth Association (CYA), St. Mary’s Church Merapani also gave special presentation.
Rev. Fr. Rhanben Mathew, parish priest Sacred Heart Church Bhandari translated the Bishop’s homily and Rev. Fr. Dominic Zeliang accorded the words of welcome. John Patton, catechist Longayim pronounced the benediction and Rev. Fr. Marcus prayed over the fellowship meal.