Media Release
Nagaland, Aug 23: St Clare feast was celebrated in Akuluto Catholic Church on August 21.
The chief celebrant was Fr John Peter from St Francis of Assisi Friary Lazami. In his introduction he explained about the story of St Clare being the Patroness of TV. He said, “One Christmas Eve, Clare was so sick that she could not get out of bed even to go to Mass. While the other sisters were on their way to mass, she stayed in bed praying so she could take part in the mass with her prayer. Just then, the Lord granted her a miraculous vision, and she was able to see the Mass, even though she was far away from where it was happening, as if it were taking place right in her own bedroom. In 1958, when Pope Pius XII was trying to find a saint to name as patron for the marvelous new invention called Television, he recalled this incident in the life of St. Clare. Since ‘television’ is Greek for ‘vision from afar’, Clare was chosen as its patroness.”
Fr Hubert Sangtam preached a heart touching Homily in Sema Language. He said, “St Clare after deciding to follow Christ through the footsteps of St Francis, she never turned back. Her richness did not stop her from loving the Lord. She found true Joy in Jesus alone.”
The sanctuary was decorated with 15 priests which included 12 Capuchins and 2 diocesan priests. Capuchins namely, Fr Isaac Baptist Rodrigues the provincial delegate of Infant Jesus Delegation Nagaland Manipur. First and second counsellors Fr Paul Inashe Parish Priest of Lazami Church, Fr Brayan Dsouza Parish Priest of Tamlu Church. Fr Joslie from Tamlu, Fr Gerald Veigas, Fr Vincent Serravo, Fr Vika Chishi from Dimapur Capuchin House.
Two diocesan priests were Fr Isaac Swu parish priest of Agunato, the regional animator and Fr Ashiko Abraham, parish priest of Atoizu Church.
St Clare Church also witnessed the presence of religious sisters of Agunato, Zunheboto and Atoizu Convents. On this occasion around 35 students and staff from Nagaland University Lumami were present for the celebration.
Fr Stephen Dsouza parish priest of Akuluto thanked the fathers, sisters and faithful for their devout presence. Fr John Peter the main celebrant, Fr Hubert the preacher, Fr Isaac Rodrigues the provincial delegate, Fr Paul Inashe and Fr Brayan Dsouza the first and second counsellors were honored by Fr Stephen, Fr Johnson and Fr James. Mr Kughato Justin the GB of GA Colony who is also a Catholic member of Akuluto Catholic Church, was honored by Fr Stephen, Fr Johnson and Fr James with a bouquet and Sumi Shawl.
Fr Stephen thanked Vikishe Peter the chairman, Aboto Cathechist, Matthew and Agoli the treasurers and the entire Catholic community for cleaning the surrounding, decorating and getting ready the sumptuous meal on the occasion of the feast. He expressed the words of gratitude to Fr Johnson and Fr James for helping out in getting ready for the feast of St Clare. He thanked the Sr Alphonsa and Sr Senorita for helping out to cook in the friary, St Clare school staff for their presence.
Speaking of the Choir he said, “Today we have little angels coming all the way from Heaven. They are St Clare hostellers.” He thanked them for their melodious singing.
There was also a small programme arranged by the Catholic Community. Likivi was the anchor for the event. All the priests and religious sisters were honored by the community with a bouquet. Sir Vikram’s Hostellers and St Clare Hostellers sang praise and worship song and danced for the traditional tune. On the occasion of feast sumptuous meal was served prepared by the Catholic community of Akuluto.