St. Mary’s Church (SMC) Lakhuti village held a priestly ordination programme for reverend deacons Longshithung Marcus Yanthan and Joshua Enipemo Kikon CM for the diocese of Kohima and the congregation of the missions on December 27 by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima.
A press release from secretary to the Bishop of Kohima, Fr. Renthungo Victor stated that, over 40 priests concelebrated with the Bishop in the solemn ceremony with religious sisters, CAN, NCWA and NCYM officials, public leaders, church leaders, family members, relatives and friends.
Deacon Marcus chose the motto “My Grace is Sufficient for You” (2 Cor 12:9) and deacon Joshua chose “The Greatest of these is Love” (1 Cor 13:13)
Deacons Marcus and Joshua, dressed in the traditional Lotha attire were accompanied by their parents, siblings and relatives. The prayer of blessing was given along with the calling of the candidate.
Bishop in his homily, while thanking the family and village for offering deacons Marcus and Joshua for the service of God in the Church, exhorted the candidates to be humble, building close intimacy with Jesus through the celebration of the eucharist and prayer.
Bishop also exhorted the new priests to stay in touch with the family and friends who can be source of strength in difficult moments of priestly ministry.
Bishop further urged the family members and the parish community to uphold deacons Marcus and Joshua daily in their prayers.
Felicitation programme was organized in the same venue. There were special song from CYA, St. Joseph’s Church, speeches from the Provincial Delegate, Fr. Sebastian CM, North Indian Province, Mohnthung, chariman, Lakhuti Village Council. Rev. Frs. Joshua Enibemo CM and Marcus Longshithung thanked all those who made it possible to stand at the altar. They thanked God for the gift of vocation to priesthood and for giving them the strength and courage to follow His call.
Rev. Fr. Pithungo Peter, asst. priest, St. Joseph Church Chumoükedima, anchored the ordination ceremony. Rev. Fr. Shaji Mathew, the parish priest St. Mary’s Church, accorded the words of welcome to the Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, government officials, village leaders, dignitaries, priests and sisters from different parishes, catechists, pastors of different churches, the invited guests and other participants. Joseph Y Keikung, anchored the felicitation programme.