Delegation of the service during the Parish Feast Day in Wokha on June 28.
Wokha, June 28 (MExN): St Paul's Parish Wokha on Sunday celebrated its Parish Feast Day along with the inauguration and dedication of a Marian Grotto at St Paul's Church, Wokha.
The parish comprises St. Paul's Church, Wokha, St Anthony's Church, Chukitong, and Sacred Heart Church, Humtso. The Holy Eucharistic celebration was led by Rev Fr Anto Tharakan SDB, former Parish Priest, as the main celebrant.
The programme began with the gathering of the faithful at the church basketball court, followed by an introduction and welcome address by Limhathung Lious Patton, Catechist of St. Paul's Church.
A Rosary procession then proceeded to the Grotto site, where the Marian Grotto was formally inaugurated and dedicated by Rev Fr Anto Tharakan. A note of acknowledgement and gratitude was delivered by Wobenthung J Patton.
Following the inauguration, the congregation participated in the Holy Mass.
In his homily, Rev Fr Anto reflected on the Gospel of Matthew, reminding the faithful of Jesus' teaching that those who love father or mother more than Him are not worthy of Him. He said Christ must always hold the first place in the lives of believers, clarifying that placing Jesus above all does not mean forsaking parents or loved ones but giving Him precedence over all earthly attachments.
He also emphasised that true discipleship requires carrying one's cross and following Christ wholeheartedly. Referring to Scripture, he encouraged the congregation that even the smallest acts of love and charity performed in the name of Christ would not go unnoticed by God.
Drawing from the teachings of St. Paul, he quoted Philippians 1:21 — "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" — and urged the faithful to emulate the apostle's unwavering devotion by placing Christ first in their lives.
During the Holy Mass, 19 candidates received their First Holy Communion. The first reading was delivered by T Ezanthung Lotha, Catechist of St. Anthony's Church, Chukitong, while the second reading was read by Zumomo Joseph Yanthan, Catechist of Sacred Heart Church, Humtso. The Gospel was proclaimed by N Chophathung Kikon, Assistant Catechist of St. Paul's Church, Wokha.
After the Mass, special presentations were made by the Holy Communicants and members of the Church Council.
The celebration concluded with hundreds of faithful gathering in prayer and fellowship, marking the occasion in a spirit of unity and thanksgiving, the church said.
