Nagaland: Bishop Kohima appeals to Catholics to become disciples of Christ.

Kohima: The Angami Catholic Union’s (ACU) three-day 12th triennial convention ended Sunday with the celebration of Holy Mass at Christ the King Church by Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil. The bishop urged the believers to become missionary disciples of Christ.

Expressing his condolences to a gathering of 3,000 people on the second Sunday of Easter, the bishop said that this day is celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday.

Citing three Bible texts that preceded the sermon, the bishop said it was a reminder of God’s infinite love and mercy.

He said that the disciples of Christ, with a spirit of truth, were sent to carry on the mission and to further reveal God’s works to the world.

In this regard, he challenged the believers to live according to the truth and said that no compromise should be made to live according to the faith which is the gift of God.
Like Christ who showed his wounds and forced the disciples to touch them when they doubted Christ’s resurrection from the dead, the bishop said that no one should be ashamed of his wounds.

Although wounds can be a sign of tenderness, he said that one should be allowed to heal one’s inner turmoil by touching Christ in one’s life.

Without the church and the congregation of believers, he said, the touch and healing of Christ would be hidden. While urging believers to be missionary disciples of Christ, the bishop reminded us that one’s honesty is the primary testimony for others.

The service was led by ACU President Lhousarovi Paul, while Angami Catholic Women’s Association (ACWA) Kikrusonuo Clara translated homily into Tenyidie .

Kelhouzasie Lawrence, president of the Angami Catholic Youth Association (ACYA), Ruokuophreü Rose, general secretary of the ACU, and the dean of science at St. Joseph’s College Jakhama, Rev. Fr. Read Thejalhoulie Solo, three readings, respectively. ACWA General Secretary Asatuoü Christina arranged the prayer for the believers.

The three-day three-year convention was hosted by Christ the King Church (CKC), Kohima Village.