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DIOCESE OF KOHIMA

BISHOP’S HOUSE Post Box. No. 519 Kohima – 797 001

Nagaland, India

February 02, 2016

BPKOH/CIR/01/2016

Dear Rev. Fathers, Sisters, Brothers and Lay Faithful,

On February 02, 2016 the Church officially concluded the “Year of Consecrated Life”. The celebration of Year

of Consecration had been a source of grace for the entire Church. It has highlighted the role and commitment of

religious personnel through a life of consecration. They enrich the Church by their life of holiness and ministry.

In our diocese we had the diocese level celebration, regional and parish level celebrations, which have given

great boost to vocation to priesthood and religious life. Let us not end our acceptance and appreciation

consecrated life with the conclusion of the year, instead let us continue to encourage and support all our

consecrated persons showering greater respect and love to them and their ministry and life.

Now we are in the “Year of Mercy” inaugurated on the 8th December 2015. In the last issue of Sharing I had

written about the traditions of Holy Doors and its theological significance and how we shall celebrate the year

of mercy in our diocese. Particularly I invite your attention to the opportunity given to us to gain plenary

indulgence by undertaking pilgrimage to the Churches assigned in our diocese (St. Paul’s Church, Wokha;

Mary Help of Christians Cathedral Kohima; St. Xavier’s Church, Jalukie; St. Peter’s Church, Kiphire and Holy

Cross Church, Dimapur) the sacramental celebration of reconciliation and holy communion and praying for the

intention of the Holy Father.

In this holy year of mercy the Pope wants to encourage all the faithful to experience God’s mercy and

compassion and become channels of mercy to everyone around. The Pope writes, “I am confident that the

whole Church which is in such need of mercy, for we are sinners, will be able to find in this Jubilee the joy of

rediscovering and rendering fruitful God’s mercy with which we are all called to give comfort to every man and

every woman of our time.” Thus we are encouraged to bring about a “mercy revolution” by living the seven

corporal works of mercy (feed the hungry, give drink to the thirty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit

the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead) and the seven spiritual works of mercy (admonish the sinner,

instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, comfort the sorrowful, bear wrongs patiently, forgive all injuries,

pray for the living and the dead). The corporal works of mercy focus on the physical needs of the less fortunate

brothers and sisters while the spiritual works of mercy are centered on the healing of spiritual and

emotional life of the person. A Christian living for himself solely confined to the thoughts of his own

comforts and security is a betrayal to his identity. Even those focused only on their spiritual accomplishments to

further their name and securities are no different from the Pharisees.

In the Jubilee Year of Mercy we need to contemplate on the Merciful Heart of our Father God whom

Jesus came to reveal to us. When our hearts are opened to the experience of God, mercy fills our

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heart. Our every relationship then works by the rule of mercy. “Name of God” is the title of the book by Pope

Francis. And mercy triumphs over judgment. For us in Nagaland this call of the Holy Father to experience

God’s mercy in our lives and to be merciful to others, or in other words to forgive and be reconciled to one

another take particular importance since we are all searching for peace and collective solution to our problems.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7)

New Academic Year: Opportunities and Challenges

At this time of the year many of us are busy opening and planning for the new academic year. Some schools

might have been already opened and classes began. Others are in the process of opening. Some may be still

searching for teachers, getting books and stationeries, etc. Getting good teaches, especially into the interior

areas would be a great challenge for us as the days go by. Despite the many problems we encounter, we take our

educational apostolate seriously because it is the best means to reach out to the poorest in the remotest areas and

in carrying out our ministry of evangelization. Therefore, I request all those concerned with this apostolate to

plan well and carry forward the ministry keeping our identity and mission upmost in the mind. We must aim at

character formation, the formation of the heart and emotions of our students than filling the head with

information and aiming at the best result. For this I suggest that we must be consistent with a planned module of

value education, personality development, career guidance and one to one interaction.

The legal system is getting complicated and more complex, murkier and more demanding, changing and more

difficult. We have no way to ignore or do away with them. Therefore, I request all those concerned to keep all

documentation up to date, well documented and clear. In case if we have to make new one, kindly make them at

the earliest, especially with regards to the payment of Provident Fund, which is becoming a nightmare for many.

In this connection, I also remind you about the decision the diocese had taken with regards to giving of

concession. In the income column full payment of fees by all students must be shown. Even if some pay the fees

in kind, kindly convert the same to cash value and show as cash paid. All concessions, scholarship must be

entered as expenses with the ledger head “Concessions”. In this way we are able to prove that we are a

charitable organization legally, not merely defacto.

I wish all our staff, teachers and students a very fruitful and grace filled academic year 2016.

Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) – 2016

The annual Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) this year will be on Friday, 26th

February 2016 at the Pastoral

Centre Hall, Dimapur at 9.30 am. We are holding DPC in Dimapur since Mt. Tabor retreat house, Kohima is

under repair and renovation. All the Parish Priests and Centre In-charges are ex-officio members of DPC. There

will not be separate invitation for participation. Kindly consider this information as invitation to all the

members. I request all the Parish Priests and Centre in-charges to make sure that the lay representatives from

their respective places are present for the meeting.

On Thursday, 25th

February 2016, there would be a spiritual recollection at 5.30 pm at the Holy Cross Church,

followed by supper for all those who reach on the previous day of DPC. On 26th

Friday, breakfast, lunch and tea

will be served at Holy Cross. I request all the Fathers and Sisters to arrange their own accommodation in the

various institutions and convents in and around Dimapur-Chumukedima. Lay participants, as far as possible

could to arrange their own accommodation with their relatives or friends. But in case anyone needs

accommodation, please contact Fr. Jaison Thomas, Director of Pastoral Centre, Dimapur (Cell: 08974065393).

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There are three categories of members as given below.

i) Ex-officio members

The Bishop of the Diocese, Vicar General, Chancellor, Directors of different

Commissions, Regional Animators, Presidents of all diocesan level association (CAN, NCWA,

NCYM), Rectors of Seminaries, College of Consulters, Priests Council Members (four

Representatives), CEDOK (Secretary and two office bearers), Finance Committee

Members (Secretary and two representatives), All Parish Priests and Centre In-charges

ii) Elected

Two Priests from below the age of 39, Nine Sisters four above the age of 35.

Five Sisters below the age of 34, One Brother each from Regency, Philosophy and Theology;

One from the Brothers’ Congregation, Lay representatives from each parish/Centre proportionate

to the Catholic families, (1 to 100 – 1; 100 to 200 – 2; 200 to

400 – 3; 400 above 4; Two members from touring Catechists.

iii) Nominated

a. Bishop can nominate up to a maximum of ten percent of the total number.

b. Nominate two teacher representatives (laity) two students (college level)

Annual Priests Meeting and Chrism Mass

This year the annual priests meeting will be on Monday 21st March from 9.00 am at Mt. Tabor Retreat House,

Kohima. In the morning there will be an Updating on audit and accounting by Mr. Martin Pinto, a Chartered

Accountant cum Auditor (of the CBCI). I request all the priests to be present for the same. On Tuesday, 22nd

March, we will have the spiritual recollection. At 3.00 pm we will have the Chrism mass. All the priests in the

diocese are expected to join the bishop for the Chrism mass as sign of oneness and unity in priesthood.

Therefore I invite and request all the priests to participate in the Chrism mass.

Come and See Program

The annual Come and See Program for Class X and Class XII students who would like to join the Seminary

for studies to priesthood will be held this year at St. Xavier Seminary Jalukie from 29th

(Arrival) February to

15th

March (Departure) 2016. Detailed program would be given out by the Rector and the Vocation Promoter.

I request all the Parish Priests and Centre In-charges to encourage students who are interested to become priests

to attend the same. Since we cannot accommodate all those who come for the vocation camp in the seminary, it

is another forum for students to join the studies to priesthood. Kindly inform the Rector (Land: 0383922418;

Mobile: 9612856012) on or before 25th

February 2016 so as to facilitate the necessary preparation.

News from the Diocese

Jubilees, Conventions and Priestly Ordinations

December, January, February is usually months during which Jubilees, Conventions and Ordinations are held in

our diocese and in the state. This year too we have many such celebrations.

All Nagaland Catechists Convention 2016 was held at Don Bosco Institute for Development and Leadership

(DBIDL), Dimapur from 27th

to 30th

January 2016 with the theme “Blessed are the Merciful” (Mt 5: 7) There

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were about 100 catechists from almost every parish in the diocese.

9th

Nagaland Catholic Women Association (NCWA) Convention was held from 22nd

to 24th

January 2016 at

St. Paul’s Church, Wokha. Women representatives from 16 tribes of Nagaland participated in the event.

6th

Chakhesang Catholic Women Association (CCWA) Convention was held at Sacred Heart Parish,

Chizami from 15th

to 17th

January with the theme “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength” Isaiah

30:15.

Golden Jubilee-cum-Church Blessing at SXCC, Zhavame

The golden Jubilee-cum –blessing of the Church program was held at St. Xavier’s Church, Zhavame on 10th

of

January, 2016. Home Minister Shri Y.Patton, Govt. of Nagaland was the Chief Guest. Shri Deo Nukhu,

Parliamentary Secretary for Higher and Technical Education and Bishop James were the Guests of Honor for

the felicitation program. During the felicitation Shri Elias Lotha, the President of Catholic Association of

Nagaland spoke on behalf of the laity. The day’s celebration began with a simple blessing of the Church, which

was being rebuilt after the old Church got burned down and the unveiled the Jubilee Monolith. The theme for

the three-day golden jubilee celebration was “Be filled with the fullness of God.”

Rusoma Church (St. Stephen’s) celebrated its Golden Jubilee with Bishop James as the main celebrant on

26th

December, 2015. The Jubilee theme was “…and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who

endures to the end will be saved.” Mt. 10:22.

Catholic Youth of St. Mary’s Parish, Lozaphuhu Celebrated the Silver Jubilee from 17th

to 20th

December

2015. The Silver Jubilee Celebration culminated with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Bishop James

Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima on Sunday 20th

December, 2015.

The Catholic community of St. Paul’s Church, Phor, celebrated its Silver Jubilee on Saturday, 19th

December, 2015, with the theme: “To Follow The Footprints of Jesus” (cf. Mt. 4:19),

Silver Jubilee of Catholic Youth Association of St. Peter’s Church, Atoizo was celebrated from the 16th

to

17th

January, 2016 with Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, Vicar General of the diocese was the main Celebrant. ‘Today’s

Youth are for tomorrow’ was the theme of the Jubilee.

12th

Pochury Catholic Youth Association Convention was held at St Peter’s Church, Old Thewati from the

8th to 11th Jan 2016, with the theme 'MERCY'.

Silver Jubilee of St. James Church, Moilan was held on Sunday, 6th

December, 2015 with Holy Mass and

Eucharistic procession. The Jubilee Monolith was erected and blessed.

The general session of Sumi Catholic Association (SCAK) was held at Akuluto from 8th

-10th

of January, 2016,

with the theme; “I am the bread of Life.” 400 members participated in the programme. SCAK has 2467

members from 21 Catholic Villages as per the Census of Sumi Catholics in Nagaland.

Golden Jubilee of St Paul’s Church, Wokha, was celebrated on 12th

and 13th

December during which

Deacon John Nchumbemo Kikon was ordained a priest.

Khonoma Catholic Youth Association Celebrated Golden Jubilee on 8th

and 9th

January 2016 with the

theme “The Capacity we have comes from God” (2 Cor. 3:5).

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Priestly Ordinations in the Diocese

There were two priestly ordinations in our diocese. The first was that of Deacon John Nchumbemo Kikon,

SDB, at St. Paul’s Church, Wokha on the 13th

December 2015. Fr. John is the first Priest from Nagaland for the

Congregation of Salesians of Don Bosco of Dimapur province. His priestly motto is: “I walk guided by your

faithfulness” (Ps 26:3)

The second ordination was at Sacred Heart Church, Bhandari. Deacon Victor Renthungo, the 5th

priest from

Bhandari parish, was ordained on 30th December, 2015. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens

me.” Phil.4:13, is the motto of the new priest.

We wish both the priests a fruitful and fulfilling priestly ministry.

Next priestly ordination will be that of Deacon Luke Nagahuto OFMCAP on 12th

May 2016 at Phugaboto

(Lazami Parish)

Jesus Youth Cultural Exchange Program

13 Jesus Youth from the diocese of Kohima participated in the JESUS YOUTH Cultural Exchange Program

(CEP) 2015 held in Kerala from 11 December 2015 to 1st of January 2016. The program began with a retreat at

the Divine Retreat Centre (DRC), Muringoor. Later the participants of CEP were accommodated in different

Jesus Youth families in small groups. Accordingly to the participants it was very enriching experience and they

learned a lot.

New Catholic Communities

On 21st March 2015, a new Church under the Patronage of St. Augustine, built by the new community at

Chessore was blessed and inaugurated and 32 families with 128 members were received into the Church.

On November 22nd

2015, in Hurong Village (Kiphire Parish) 27 elders were received into the Church and 30

children baptized by Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, the VG of the diocese.

130 members of 26 families of Tangkhao Village (Tobu parish in Mon District) became Catholics on 27th

December, 2015. Bishop James, Thoppil, officiated the reception programme with nine other priests. Bishop

also blessed the newly built Church and it was inaugurated by Fr. Joseph Ottukalathil, Parish Priest, Anganba.

Chukitong Village (Wokha parish) entered into the statistic record of the Catholic Church and of the diocese of

Kohima on 27th

Dec. 2015, with the baptism and reception of thirteen members by Rev. Fr. Anto Tharakan

SDB, the parish priest of St. Paul Church, Wokha.

New Parish at Sechü-Zubza Inaugurated

A new parish of St. Maria Goretti at Sechü-Zubza was erected on 25th

December 2015 and officially

inaugurated on 31st January 2016, on the feast day of St. John Bosco. Rev. Fr. Nestor, Provincial, Frs. Jacob, the

Parish Priest of Khonoma, Fr. Samuel Elow SDB, the new parish priest, many Fathers, Sisters, Shri Rolavituo

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Nicholas, Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Catechists, Pastors, Elders of the community and representatives

from catholic parishes and villages in and around Kohima were present for the occasion.

Dimapur hosts the Second National Peace Convention - 2016

The Second National Peace Convention was held at the Hotel Acacia, Dimapur from 30th

January to 1st

February, 2016, organized by National Peace Movement in Collaboration with Rotary International Dist. 3040

& 3240; NEISSR, Peace Channel (observing its 10th

foundation day), Universal Solidarity Movement (USM)

and other NGOs and participated by 210 participants from 16 states of India.

Blessing and inauguration of new Churches

Newly built Church, Sacred Heart Church, Toulazouma (Mt. Carmel Parish, Dimapur) was blessed by me

and inaugurated by Most Rev. Rt. Chacko Thottumarickal, Bishop of Indore, MP, on 30th January, 2016 in the

presence of Village GBs, Village Chairman, and Community representatives from various villages of Kohima

and Dimapur districts. The old Church was blown off last year due to heavy storm. It was build with the money

raised locally.

The newly built St. Joseph Church, Songlhuh, (St. Xavier Parish, Jalukie) was blessed by me and inaugurated

by Miss Lithrila Sangtam, EAC, Ahthibung, on 21st January, 2016 in the presence of Priests, Sisters, Village

GBs, Chairman, community representatives from Jalukie, Kohima, and Dimapur. Rev. Fr. Sunny Joseph,

Warden, St. Joseph’s College Hostel, Zakhama unveiled the marble plague. The community consists mainly of

the Kuki tribe. We are grateful the diocese of Munster for the support to build the Church.

St. Peter’s Church, Trongar (Christ King Centre, Angangba), was blessed by me and inaugurated by Rev. Fr.

S. Charles, Director of Development Association of Nagaland (DAN), on 22nd

of December, 2015, in the

presence of 11 priests, Village Chairman, GBs and village elders, other communities from Kohima,

Mokokchung, Tuensang, Shamator, Tseminyu and Aghunato. It was built with the help from Propaganda Fide

and St. Thomas Parish, Tuensang.

Foundation for New Educational Institutions blessed at Ikeshe Village, Dimapur

I, along with Bishop Francis Kalis, bishop of Meerut, blessed the land and laid the foundation for various

educational institutions to be built and run by the Congregation of Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) and

Missionaries of Mary Immaculate (MMI) on 26th

January, 2016 in the presence of Rev. Fr. J. E. Arul Raj,

Founder of both Congregations, Sr. C. Rita Mary, Superior General, MMI, Fr. C. Albert, the General of MMI,

Fr. Jesudhas from Brazil, Fr. George Punnolil, the Diocesan Financial Administrator, many other Priests, Sisters

and laity from Dimapur and Sister and Priest representative from both congregations. The work has begun in

earnest and we hope that they would be able to start classes from the next academic session.

Diocesan Marriage Tribunal and Motu propio - Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus

I am happy that since the appointment of Rev. Fr. Jacob Charalel as the Judicial Vicar, a number of marriage

cases have been taken up for consideration and settled. I am also very grateful to his collaborators: Fr. Mathew

Mhabemo (Judge) Rev. Fr. Mathew Keemattam (Defender of the Bond and Promoter of Justice) Fr. Binoy

Kunnasseril, Fr. Loyola Anthony and Fr. Richard Fernandes (Notaries) for their role in settling the cases that

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were taken up. I also express my gratitude to the Archdiocesan Marriage Tribunal of Imphal, which was the

second instance tribunal.

Motu propio - Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus (“The Lord Jesus, Clement Judge”)

Pope Francis has brought out a new Motu Proprio “Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus”, which has taken effect from 8th

December 2015. I am giving below some salient features of the new document and its implication for marriage

annulments in the future in our diocese for your information and necessary guidance.

On September 8, 2015, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic letter Motu propio, titled Mitis Iudex Dominus

Iesus (“The Lord Jesus, Clement Judge”), initiating a reform in the Church’s procedures for determining the

nullity of marriage cases as a result of the request of the Bishops during the Synod in 2014 for changes in the

annulment processes.

A motu proprio is a document issued on the pope’s initiative. They are frequently used to establish or clarify

legal matters (as opposed to matters of doctrine, which are dealt with in other documents, such as encyclicals).

What is a declaration of nullity?

A declaration of nullity is often popularly called an “annulment.” But this is not a very accurate term, since the

Church is not actively making a marriage null, but is merely recognizing the fact that the marriage was actually

already null from its very beginning. There are some situations where a couple might have appeared to have

entered into a marriage, when in reality some essential element to a real—that is, a “valid”—marriage was

missing. Nullity is different from divorce. Divorce proposes to dissolve a marriage that is in existence.

If a married couple has reason to believe that their marriage might be invalid, they have the right to approach

the Church for a clear answer on the truth of their situation. The Church in turn makes itself available to provide

such answer through canon law (the Church internal legal system) and local diocesan tribunals (the Church’s

courts). The details of the canonical process for determining validity of a marriage can be complex and

technical, but essentially it involves a tribunal: determining a possible reason why the marriage might have been

invalid; collecting objective evidence—such as witness testimonies, documents, or professional opinions from

experts such as medical doctors or psychologists - which would either support or rule out that proposed reason;

and then coming to an impartial judgment on whether or not the marriage was valid. If the marriage was

determined to be invalid, the tribunal issues a “declaration of nullity,” and the parties are considered by the

Church as free to marry.

This latest document is Pope Francis’ attempt to tailor the process to the specific pastoral needs and

circumstances of today’s Catholics, making the annulment process more accessible and less time-consuming.

Specifically, the Pope confirmed the Church’s teaching that a lawful, consummated, sacramental marriage is a

bond that cannot be broken by any force other than death. What Pope Francis did change, however, were some

of the Church’s legal procedures for determining when to issue a declaration of nullity.

What specific changes did Pope Francis make?

Some of the more notable changes include:

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Allowing lay canonists (people with advanced degrees in canon law) to take on a greater role as judges in

tribunals. Prior to Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus, cases were ordinarily judged by a “college” of three judges

which needed to consist of at least two ordained clerics. Now, two of the three judges may be lay people.

Making it simpler to determine where a trial can be held. Previously, special permission was needed in order

to have a trial anywhere other than the diocese where the wedding took place, or the diocese where the

respondent (the spouse who did not request the trial) was living. Now, the trial may be held in the diocese

where either party is resident, or in the diocese where it would be easiest to collect the evidence.

Eliminating the need for an automatic appeal. Before this Motu proprio, if a tribunal was to decide in favor of

granting a declaration of nullity, it was required that the regional appeals court (called “second instance”)

examine the case in order to confirm the original decision. This automatic appeal was meant to ensure that the

sanctity of the marriage bond was protected and to prevent potential abuses of laxity. However, it often added

additional weeks or months to the final decision. Now, one or both of the parties may still request an appeal to

the metropolitan archbishop of their region if they disagree with the original decision, but an appeal is no

longer mandatory.

The possibility of an expedited process. In certain cases where both parties agree to seek a declaration of

nullity and the particular circumstances of their case make the likelihood of the invalidity of their marriage

especially obvious, the parties can now opt to have the bishop judge their case directly, instead of going

through the ordinary tribunal process. The new law thus puts the responsibility squarely on the bishop as a

pastor. The parties will still need to present enough solid evidence for the bishop to make a confident

determination of the status of their marriage, but in many cases this will be a quicker and simpler process.

Only a single judgment of nullity is required. Until now, in most cases, if one tribunal determined that a

marriage was null, the decision was automatically appealed to a court of second instance, and only if the second

tribunal agreed was an annulment granted. Now the morally certain decision of the first court will be sufficient

in uncontested cases.

Appeals can be made against the judgment of the bishop to the metropolitan. As a check on the judgment of

the bishop, parties can appeal his decision to the metropolitan bishop (i.e., the bishop who heads the local

ecclesiastical province, composed of several neighboring dioceses). Or, if it was the metropolitan himself who

heard the original case, appeal can be made to the senior suffragan bishop (i.e., the bishop in the province with

the most seniority, apart from the metropolitan).

In what kind of situations can the new, shorter process be used?

According to the procedural norms attached to Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus (see Art. 14 § 1), these cases include

the following:

lack of faith resulting in the simulation of consent to be married or an error that determines the will

regarding one of the requirements of marriage

the brevity of married life (i.e., the couple divorced very quickly after being married)

procured abortion to prevent procreation (presumably during the marriage itself, prior to bearing other

children and thus showing an unwillingness to procreate)

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the stubborn persistence in a extramarital affair at the time of the wedding or at a time immediately

following

the malicious concealment of:

o infertility

o a serious contagious disease

o children born from a previous relationship

o an incarceration

a reason for getting married that is completely foreign to married life (presumably something like entering a

legal fiction of a marriage to be able to immigrate or gain an inheritance) or consisting of the unplanned

pregnancy of the woman

the physical violence inflicted to extort the consent to marry

the lack of use of reason proved by medical documents

Now on in our diocese we shall follow the new process for nullity of marriages.

Congratulations

We congratulate Mr. John Tsulise Sangtam, NCS, ADC, Meluri and Mr. James Renbi Kikon NCS, EAC,

Phokhungri for having received Governor’s award on the occasion of 67th

Republic Day, on 26th

January,

2016.

Congratulations to Fr. Thomas John, Fr. C. P. Anto, Sr. Anna Molly, FMA, Sr. Jilda, MSMHC and Mr.

Anthony Richard, who were awarded PhD degrees during the 4th

Convocation of Nagaland University at

SASRD Medziphema Campus on Saturday, December 5, 2015. We wish them all the best in their educational

ministry and life.

Congratulations to the Newly Elected Provincial and New Councillors

SABS – Corpus Christi Province

Mother Sibia SABS : Provincial Superior

Sr. Catherine Elvunkall SABS : Vicar Provincial

Sr. Ranit Vellilamthadam SABS : 2nd Councillor

Sr. Mary Augustine SABS : 3rd Councillor

Sr. Rose Kannackal SABS : 4th Councillor

Sr. Rose Mary Kochutharayil SABS : Finance Officer

Sr. Joyce Thekkumkattil SABS : Secretary

UFC – Northeast Province

Sr. Mary C.J. UFC : Provincial Superior

Sr. Benny Fernandes UFC : Vicar Provincial (Education, Land & Building)

Sr. Florence Lalrinpuil UFC : Councillor (Mizoram Delegate Superior, Social & Health)

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Sr. Mary Dukru UFC : Councillor (Pastoral & Ursuline Lay Association)

Sr. Elesei Castelino UFC : Councillor (Secretary & Co-ordinator for formation)

CMC – Sanjoe Province

Sr. Sibi CMC : Provincial Superior

Sr. Krupa Therese CMC : Vicar Provincial

Sr. Cicy Maria CMC : Councillor

Sr. Pauline George CMC : Councillor

Sr. Cecilia Azeina CMC : Councillor

FCC – St. Clare Province

Sr. Lilly Maria FCC :Provincial

Sr. Annie Kalapurackalparambil FCC :Asst. Provincial

Sr. Annie Lisieux FCC : Councillor

Sr. Lisa FCC : Councillor

Sr. Elsa Renu FCC : Councillor

Sr. Lilly Therese FCC : Finance Officer

Sr. Ancy Maria FCC : Secretary

SH – Amala Province

Sr. Annie Areekuzhy S.H. : Provincial

Sr. Rose Marina Mekkunnel S.H. : Vicar General (Charitiative Activities)

Sr. Ancy Jose Muttakulam S.H. : Councillor (Evangelization)

Sr. Vineeth Tresa Poovathumkal S.H. : Councillor (Education)

Sr. Ancy George S.H. : Councillor (Social Welfare Activities)

Sr. Bincy Jose S.H. : Provincial Auditor

Sr. Annie Catherine S.H. : Provincial Procurator

Transfers and Appointments

Ursuline Franciscan Congregation:

Transferred Appointed

Sacred Heart Convent (Chizami) Sr. Theresa Yimchunger Sr. Dotty D’Sa

Ursula Novitiate (Dimapur) Sr. Dotty D’Sa

Sr. Reeta Lopez

St. Peter’s Convent (Longsa) ---------- Sr. Reeta Lopez

Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC)

Transferred Appointed

Medziphema(Novitiate) Sr. Tomsy Sr. Aloshia

Dimapur (Kacharigaon) Sr. Annie Ancheril Sr. Chantal Maria

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Sr. Annie K. Sr. Tomsy

Sr. Lisa Sr. Jessy Jose

Sr. Mary Kim Sr. Lucia

Sr. Roselin Thungyani

Seyochung Sr. Jessin Sr. Mary Tono

Sr. Mariclare Sr. Mareena

Sr. Juliana

Lakhuti Sr. Angela Nonom Sr. Roseline Madukkakuzhy

Kohima Sr. Ancy Maria Sr. Linda

Phesama Sr. Sabinah Sr. Esther Chibeni

Sr. Agnes Laothil

Sr. Christina Paul (Study)

Sr. Agustina (Study)

Congregation of the Mother of Carmel:

Transferred Appointed

Dimapur (4th

Mile) Sr. Flower Jose Sr. Krupa Therese

Sr. Betty Jose Sr. Ancy Tom

Sr. Rosily George Sr. Theresa Augustine

Sr. Rosjoe Sr. Cecilia Azeina

Sr. Deepa Rose Sr. Celine Mary

Dimapur (Euphrasis Home) Sr. Josephine

Sr. Mary Servia

Chumukedima (Novitiate) Sr. Krupa Therese Sr. Cecil

Sr. Josephine Sr. Mary Claret

Sr. Maria Mathew

Sr. Theresa Augustine

Domokhia Sr. Agie Therese Sr. Cicy Maria

Chavara Home Sr. Mary Servia Sr. Annie Gracit

Sr.Agie Therese

Paren Sr. Sincy Maria

Tening Sr. Fidelia Sr. Betty Jose

Sr. Annie Gracit Sr. Emi Margaret

Khonoma Sr. Cecilia Azeina Sr. Fidelia

Sr. Lisha Euphrasia Sr. Sincy Maria

Razeba Sr. Reena Sr. Anupa Jose

Sr. Hitha Ann Sr. Mercy George

Jakhama Sr. Cecil Sr. Alicia

Sr. Regina Ela-a

Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (SABS)

Transferred Appointed

12

Chumukedima (Pro. House) Sr. Rose Maondang Sr. Ranit Vellilamthadam

Sr. Rosily Mandapathil Sr. Rose Kannackal

Sr. Blessilia Sr. Anit Mullenkuzhiyil

Sr. Celine Jose Sr. Rosena Pavoumai

Tuensang Sr. Rose Lotha Sr. Rose Monsang

Sr. Angela Magh Sr. Gabriela Huten

Tobu Sr. Celine Konoor Sr. Angela Magh

Kiphire Sr. Stella Rose Sr. Angelle Shingaisui

Sr. Glory Kikon Sr. Cicilia Kamei

Dimapur (Shanti Bhavan) Sr. Monica Alackaparambil Sr. Celine Jose

Sr. Anit Mullemkuzhiyil Sr. Toms Maria

Sr. Martha Horiah Sr. Agatha Phaminitin

Sr. Flowerlit Thenamkuzhiyil

Sr. Felicity Tangkhul

Sr. Jyothis Kunnumpurath

Mokokchung Sr. Mary Varanath Sr. Mercita Kunnel

Sr. Mary Augustine Sr. Bridget Nellivelil

Jakhama Sr. Toms Maria Sr. Rosily Mandapathil

Sr. Ranit Vellilamthadam Sr. Anice Mukalayil

Sr. Lincy Korattiyil

Pungro Sr. Bridget Nellivelil Sr. Merin Chenkarayil

Sr. Josephine Chipang Sr. Agnes Nemang

Medziphema Sr. Blessilia

Sr. Monica Alackaparampil

Sr. Elsy Manikombel

Sisters of Charity (SCCG) Transferred Appointed

Lazami Sr. Maria Goretti Shadap Sr. Flora Tirkey

St. Joseph’s Chumukedima Sr. Christina Khiangte Sr. Catherine Rikason

Sacred Heart Congregation (SH) Transferred Appointed

S.H.Convent, Mon Sr. Ancy Jose S.H. Sr. Ligi Rose (Superior)

Sr. Divya Paul S.H. Sr. Merin Thouthang

S.H.Convent,Dimapur Sr. Reena Jose S.H. Sr. Assumpta (Superior)

Sr. Rima Shakwa S.H. Sr. Marylit Golemei

S.H.C. Jotsoma

Sr. Solly Rose S.H. Sr. Anila Alex (Superior)

Sr. Anupa Scaria S.H. Sr. Tresa James (till March)

Sr. Ajita Daimari (from March)

May their Souls rest in peace

13

Mr. Anthony, father of Sr. Pauline (Baghty) passed away on Sunday, 6th

December, 2015.

Mr. Peter Sangthuama (74), father of Rev. Bro. Richard (Superior, Montfort, Baghty) passed away on 13th

December, 2015.

Mrs. Elizabeth (82), sister in-law of Fr. Mathew Keemattam (Parish Priest, Chiephobozou) passed away

on 17th

December, 2015.

Mr. Kevimhal John (40), bro-in-law of Sr. Catherine Thakro UFC, passed away on 21st December, 2015

Mr. C. K. Kuriakose Cherusseril (73), father of Fr. Sunil (Former Principal of H.C.Hr. Sec. School,

Dimapur) passed away on 19th

January, 2016.

Mr. Devasy, maternal uncle of Fr. Sojan, passed away on 15th

December, 2015.

Mr Abel Singphukiu, father of Sr. Rebecca Sangtam, MSMHC, passed away on 24th

January, 2016

Mr. Silatho, first catechist of Meluri parish and father of Bro. Tovitho Sdb, (1st year Philosophy

Salesian college, Dimapur) passed away on 25th

January, 2016.

Mr Joseph Chacko (73), uncle of Fr. Binoy (Tseminyu), passed away on 24th

January, 2016.

Ms Yimoni (77) eldest sister of Fr. Mathew Mhabemo (Sanis) passed away on 30th

January, 2016

Mr. Jose (83) uncle of Fr. Sabu Chenackal (Jakhama-SJC), passed away on 30th

January, 2016

Ms. Noeline Neilabeinuo (28) niece of Fr. Alex Vizo (SFS –Kohima), passed away on 1st February, 2016.

Bishop’s Program (February – May 2016)

Feb 2016 10 Kohima, Ash Wednesday (Holiday for Catholic Schools)

11-13 Kohima

14 Kohima: Blessing of the New Church at Police Reserve, Kohima

15 Kohima – Mass at SDB Novitiate

16-24 Kohima

25 Dimapur: Senate (2.30 pm, BH, Dimapur).

Recollection for Priests and Members of the DPC (5.30 pm, Holy Cross)

26 Dimapur: Diocesan Pastoral Council (9.30 am Pastoral Centre, Dimapur)

Consulters’ Meeting (4.00 pm, BH, Dimapur).

Last date for submission of Budget for 2016-2017

27 Dimapur

28-29 Bangalore

Mar 2016 01-16 Bangalore: CBCI, CCBI Plenary Assemblies

12 Finance Committee meeting - assessment and approval of Budgets (9.00, B.H.K.)

17-18 Kohima

19 Kohima – Feast of St. Joseph, Jakhama GB & OD team meeting

20 Dimapur, Palm Sunday (HC)

21 Kohima: Updating Accounting: Martin Pinto (CBCI Auditor)

9.00 am- 4.00 pm (Mt. Tabor)

Priests’ Meeting (4.30 pm), DF (After Supper)

22 Kohima: Recollection for Priests (9.30-12.30) Chrism Mass (3.00 pm)

14

Consulters’ Meeting (6.00 pm, BH, Kohima)

23 Kohima

24 Kohima: Holy Thursday

25 Chumukedima: Good Friday

26 Kohima: Easter Vigil (Cathedral)

27 Kohima: Easter Sunday (CKC, Kohima)

28 Kohima

29 Kohima, Death Anniversary of Fr. N. A. George

31 Kohima

April 2016 01-2 Kohima

03 Chumukedima: Parish Feast, Mercy Sunday

04-05 Kohima

06-10 Nongstoin- Regional Bishops’ Meeting

11-14 Kohima-Sanis-Kohima-With Bishop McKenna from Australia

15 Kohima – Meeting of the Regional Animators & Commission Chairmen

(9.30 am) Consulters’ Meetings (2.00 pm)

16 Dimapur: Golden Jubilee, Holy Cross School

17 Jakhama: Golden Jubilee - Catholic Community, Vocation Sunday

18-19 Kohima

20 Dimapur: UFC Profession (9.30 am)

21-30 Kerala – Medical Treatment

May 2016 01-10 Spiritual Retreat

11 Kohima

12 Pughoboto – Priestly Ordination of Deacon Luke, OFM CAP

13 Kohima

14 Kohima: Finance Committee Meeting (2.30 pm, B.H. Kohima)

15 Kohima: Pentecost Sunday

16-19 Kohima

20-21 Kohima: Seminar for Sisters

22 Kohima: Cathedral Feast, Sisterhood Day

23 Dimapur: FSMI Convent Blessing

24-26 Kohima

27 Jalukie: SXC, GB Meeting

28 To Chessore

29 Chessore - Church Blessing: Corpus Christi

30 Aghunato – Zunheboto

31 Kohima