JOWAI: The Catholic Church of Jowai organised a public reception to welcome its new Apostolic Administrator, Most Rev. Thomas Menamparampil SDB, at St. Theresa’s Cathedral Ground, Jowai.
Secretary of Social and Cultural Committee of Jowai Parish, Jonas Pala and Asst. Secretary Patrick Lamare coordinated the programme while Chairmen of the Church Committee, Pius Lakiang and Fidelis Laloo, read out the official welcome address, wherein, they expressed joy at having an internationally renowned figure to be the Apostolic Administrator of Jowai.
The members of the Church also thanked him for his obedience in accepting this responsibility and promised him their whole hearted cooperation.
Through the welcome address, the faithful appreciated solicitude of His Holiness Pope Francis and the Apostolic Nuncio to India, in the appointment of the Apostolic Administrator for the Jowai Diocese.
On behalf of the faithful, Polucarpus Suja honoured the Administrator with a Ryndia Thlem – a traditional garment of the Pnars.
The grandeur and solemnity of the celebration was enhanced with presentation of bouquets and garlands by various groups not only from the Jowai Parish but also from other parishes.
Song of felicitation and joy from the Seng Longkmie, Seng Rangbah, Seng Samla and the St. Theresa’s Cathedral Choir added cadence. St. Theresa’s Convent Mooralong added colour with their presentation of the famous Chukra Dance; Mihmyntdu Church presented an action song while St. Mary Mazzarello Convent concluded the celebration with a thought provoking and inspiring skit in song entitled ‘The Good Shepherd’.
In his speech, the Apostolic Administrator thanked and appreciated every one for all that has been done.
He reiterated the fact that his presence here at Jowai is solely in compliance with orders received from the Holy Father through the Apostolic Nuncio.
He underscored the importance of harmony, unity and collaboration for integral growth of the Diocese in all its multifaceted sectors and urged the faithful to be always obedient to the directive of the Holy Father in areas of faith.
Meanwhile, the Chrism Mass was also celebrated in which the faithful of Jowai presented all the Priests with a token gift to mark the Priesthood Day.
