17th May, Golden Jubilee and Church Blessing Celebrated at St. Michael Church Khumiasii

The Catholic community of Khumiasü village marked a historic milestone on 17th May, 2025 with a grand fourfold celebration at St. Michael Catholic Church. The occasion included the Golden Jubilee of the Catholic faith in the village, the blessing and inauguration of the newly constructed church, the Silver Jubilee of the priestly ordination of Fr. John Lasutho Poji—the first priest from the community—and the felicitation of newly professed religious Sisters from the village.
The celebration began with the solemn blessing of the new church, followed by the formal inauguration of the Jubilee festivities. Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, presided over the Holy Eucharist and delivered a powerful homily, commending the faith, sacrifices, and perseverance of the pioneer Catholics and urging the community to remain faithful to the Gospel and continue building the living Church.
In his address, Bishop James Thoppil thanked the Jesuit missionaries and diocesan clergy who nurtured the faith over the decades, along with the UFC Sisters who played a key role in evangelization and faith formation in the area. He described the new church building as a symbol of God’s blessings and the growth of the community’s faith, and emphasized the need for each believer to become a true temple of God.
Present at the event was Shri Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe, MLA & Advisor for NRE and NSDMA, who expressed appreciation for the vibrant Catholic community and lauded their commitment to spiritual and social development. Sir Johnny Raungmei, President of the Catholic Association of Nagaland, also extended greetings and congratulations on behalf of the laity associations across the diocese.
The Bishop acknowledged the generous support of benefactors and volunteers, particularly Deacon Sherman, for making the new church a reality. The day concluded with a cultural programme and felicitation of Fr. John Poji and the newly professed Sisters, marking a joyous and memorable chapter in the history of Khumiasü Catholic community.