Thousands of faithful attended the Silver Jubilee celebration of St. Joseph Parish Youth Movement (1998 – 2023) at St. Joseph Parish Centre, Chümoukedima on September 17.
The event was held in four parts – blessing and unveiling of the Jubilee Monolith, The Holy Eucharistic celebration, Felicitation Programme and Jubilee Thanksgiving Night.
Before the Holy Eucharist, Rev. Fr. Anthony R. Dukru, Parish Priest welcomed the congregation for the Silver Jubilee celebration and invited the Bishop to light the Jubilee Candle.
The Eucharistic celebration was led by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima. In his homily, Bishop James Thoppil called upon the congregation to a culture of forgiveness.
Citing examples of Abraham Lincoln, Pope John Paul II, Blessed Rani Maria, and Jesus Christ himself “who died for the forgiveness of our sins”.
Key features of the felicitation programme included releasing of the jubilee souvenir by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, acknowledgement of dignitaries, guests and well-wishers of the youth movement.
Earlier, welcome address was delivered by the jubilee convenor, Kaini Teresa while John Dornal Chetri the convenor of finance committee expressed the word of thanks.
The session concluded with a prayer by assistant Parish Priest and Youth Director Rev. Fr. Marcus Yanthan.
Guest of honour, Johnny Ruangmei, joint CEO, NSDMA (government of Nagaland) and president, Catholic Association of Nagaland, said “like the flowers served its purpose to beautify every occasion before it fades away”, like-wise everyone should serve the purpose to the Almighty, when young and vibrant especially in the present era, when new modern technologies were accessible. Advisor to NCWA, Rita Kikon with her colleagues and president, NCYM Dr. Lowrence Kithan and his colleagues, graced the occasion.
Earlier, the invocation was offered by Rev. Fr. Marcus, Assistant Parish Priest and youth director and vote of thanks and benediction by Elizabeth Richa and Rev. Fr. Anthony R. Dukru, Parish Priest.