The faithful of Holy Family Church, Phuyeqa, a small Catholic community of 11 families under St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lazami, joyfully celebrated the Blessing and Dedication of their newly constructed church on 9th April. The solemn Eucharistic Celebration and the Rite of Blessing were presided over by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima.

Prior to the Eucharistic celebration, the Donors’ Memorial Stone was unveiled by Mr. Y. Vikheho Swu, Former Minister, Government of Nagaland and Managing Director, Okusa Toyota Pvt. Ltd., Nagaland, in recognition of the generous benefactors whose support made the construction of the church possible.

In his homily, Bishop James congratulated Rev. Fr. Paul Inashe, the Catholic community of Phuyeqa, the parishioners of Lazami, the Sisters of Charity, and all the benefactors for their sacrifice and dedication. He reminded the faithful that while a church building is a visible sign of God’s presence, the true Church is the community of believers. Quoting St. Paul, he emphasized that every Christian is a living temple of God and is called to bear witness to Christ through a life of faith, holiness, and service.

The Bishop encouraged the faithful to make the newly blessed church not merely a place of worship but a vibrant centre of prayer, communion, and evangelization. He urged the community to remain steadfast in the Catholic faith and to proclaim the Gospel primarily through the witness of their daily lives, becoming true “Christ-bearers” in society.

The celebration concluded with a felicitation programme, honouring the benefactors and all who contributed to the construction of the church, followed by a fellowship meal that brought together clergy, religious, benefactors, and the faithful in a spirit of thanksgiving and communion.