Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima Diocese, James Chomithung Ezung and others during the ordination programme held in Longsa on December 29.
Morung Express News
Wokha | December 29
The Priestly Ordination of Deacon James Chomithung Ezung was solemnly held on December 29, at Longsa Village Ground under Wokha district. The ordination was conferred by Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima Diocese, in the presence of priests, religious, family members and a large gathering of the faithful.
The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Bishop James Thoppil as the main celebrant, with Rev Fr Paul Thungbemo Yanthan, Vice-Rector and Professor of Oriens Theological College, Shillong, serving as the Master of Ceremonies. The liturgical celebration was solemnly animated by the choir of St Peter’s Church, Longsa.
During the Rite of Ordination, various significant rituals were observed, including prayers offered by the parents of the candidate, the removal and handing over of traditional attire, the formal calling and presentation of the candidate, election by the Bishop with the consent of the people, examination and promise of obedience, and the Litany of the Saints followed by the Prayer of Consecration. Deacon Ezung was then vested with the stole and chasuble, his hands anointed with Sacred Chrism, and the sacred vessels presented to him, signifying his new role in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The rite concluded with the kiss of peace.
In his homily, Bishop Thoppil described the ordination as a moment of great joy and thanksgiving. Reflecting on the ordination motto chosen by the newly ordained priest, “Thy will be done” (Mt 6:10), the Bishop spoke on the meaning and mission of priesthood as both a gift to the Church and a service to humanity. He reminded the faithful that priesthood begins with discipleship and calls for a life rooted in prayer, humility, holiness and continuous formation. He further emphasised that a priest belongs to the universal Church, serving all people without distinction, beyond family, village or tribal affiliations.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a felicitation programme was held, chaired by James C Ezung, DWO. The programme included congratulatory messages from the St Peter’s Church Choir, a shepherd’s message by Bishop James Thoppil, words of gratitude from the newly ordained priest, special presentations by brothers and sisters from Longsa village, greetings from church leaders, and a vote of thanks delivered by Samuel M Ezung. Grace before the community meal was pronounced by Rev Fr Sebastian, Parish Priest of St Paul’s Church, Wokha.
Welcoming Deacon James Chomithung Ezung into the priestly ministry, Bishop Thoppil called upon him to be a true witness of Christ and a faithful steward of the Divine Mysteries. He also expressed gratitude to the parents, family members and all those who accompanied the new priest through his years of formation. The celebration concluded with prayers invoking the intercession of Mary Help of Christians as Dn. James begins his ministry in the Diocese of Kohima.
