St Thomas Church, Phelungre, celebrated its golden jubilee-cum-church dedication on December 20 at Phelungre, marking 50 years of faith and service.
PHELUNGRE, DECEMBER 20 (MExN): St Thomas Church (STC), Phelungre, celebrated its golden jubilee-cum-church dedication on Saturday at Phelungre, marking 50 years of faith and service.
Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, blessed the jubilee monolith, which was unveiled by Dr Johnny Ruangmei, president of the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) and joint chief executive officer of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA).
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the church inauguration was officiated by John Tsulise Sangtam, NCS, secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Department of Works and Housing. The jubilee plaque was unveiled by Azenou Conepta Penyu, retired director, Rural Development, Nagaland, while the hoisting of the jubilee flag was carried out by public leader S K James.
In his address, Bishop Thoppil congratulated the Catholic community of Phelungre on the completion of the church and commended the leadership of parish priest Rev Fr Philip Magh. He also acknowledged the contributions of former priests, religious sisters, catechists and elders of Kiphire parish in nurturing the Catholic faith and supporting the growth of the church.
In his homily, the Bishop reflected that while constructing a physical church is achievable with resources and manpower, building the true Church, the people of God, is a lifelong responsibility. “We are the living temple of God, and this temple must be built every day so that God may dwell within us,” he said.
Earlier, Rev Fr Philip Magh welcomed the gathering, followed by traditional music presentations by Yongtsuchi Cecily and Yutsachi Cecily. The jubilee anthem was rendered by the jubilee choir, while Yangthsaba Nathaniel and Dr Hezinglila Grace compered the programme.
A solemn Holy Mass was celebrated with an entrance dance in traditional attire by residents of the St Thomas community from Kiphire, followed by the lighting of 50 jubilee candles. Bishop Thoppil also performed the special blessing of the church altar.
The celebration continued with a short felicitation programme after the Mass. Rev Fr Marius Patton offered the invocation, and special songs were presented by the jubilee choir. The jubilee souvenir was released by Bishop Thoppil. Addresses were delivered by Dr Johnny Ruangmei, P Tsaseto, head GB of Phelungre, and Roukoubeu Roselyn Miachieo, president of the Nagaland Catholic Women’s Association (NCWA). A financial report was presented by finance convener Mathew Seili.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by planning chairman Mark Lisemong and a valedictory prayer by catechist Simon Athrise. The twin celebration concluded with a common meal served to all.
