DIMAPUR: St. Paul’s Parish Wokha, comprising St. Paul’s Church Wokha, St. Anthony’s Church Chukitong and Sacred Heart Church Humtso, celebrated its Parish Feast Day cum inauguration of the Marian Grotto on June 28 at St. Paul’s Church Wokha.
The Holy Eucharistic celebration was led by former Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Anto Tharakan SDB, as the main celebrant. The programme began with a gathering of the faithful at the basketball court, followed by an introduction and welcome address by Limhathung Lious Patton, Catechist of St. Paul’s Church Wokha.
A Rosary procession was held to the Grotto site, where the Marian Grotto was formally inaugurated and dedicated by Rev. Fr. Anto. Wobenthung J. Patton delivered a note of acknowledgement and gratitude before the congregation proceeded for the Holy Mass.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Anto reflected on the Gospel of Matthew, reminding the faithful that Christ must hold the first place in life, above all earthly attachments. He emphasized true discipleship as carrying one’s cross and following Christ wholeheartedly, assuring that even the smallest acts of love and charity done in His name will not go unnoticed. Drawing from St. Paul’s words, he urged the congregation to cultivate passion and devotion for Christ, declaring, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
During the Mass, 19 candidates received their First Holy Communion. The first reading was delivered by T. Ezanthung Lotha, Catechist of St. Anthony’s Church Chukitong, the second by Zumomo Joseph Yanthan, Catechist of Sacred Heart Church Humtso, while the Gospel was read by N. Chophathung Kikon, Assistant Catechist of St. Paul’s Church Wokha.
Special presentations were performed by the Holy Communicants and Church Council members.
The celebration concluded as a grand and solemn occasion, with hundreds of faithful gathered in unity, inspired by the words of Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.”
