As part of his official pastoral ministry, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, made a three-day pastoral visit to Mary Help of Christians Cathedral Parish, Kohima, from 6 to 8 June 2026, strengthening the faith of the parish community through the celebration of the Eucharist, administration of the Sacraments, interaction with the faithful, and visits to the parish institutions and religious communities.

The pastoral visit commenced on 6 June with the Bishop’s visit to St. Peter’s Church, AG, where he celebrated the Eucharist and met the parish community. On 7 June, he visited St. Mary’s Cathedral Higher Secondary School and Little Flower School, interacting with the students, teachers and staff, encouraging them to pursue academic excellence rooted in Christian values. Later in the evening, he visited St. Paul Chong Hasang Church, Jotsoma, where he met the faithful and encouraged them in their journey of faith.

The highlight of the pastoral visit was the Sunday Eucharistic Celebration at Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, during which Bishop James conferred the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion upon the candidates. Reflecting on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Bishop reminded the faithful that the Eucharist is the heart and centre of Christian life—the greatest gift Christ has entrusted to His Church.

Drawing from the Scripture readings, Bishop James developed his homily around the theme “Remember, Receive, Become.” He invited the faithful to remember God’s abiding presence and providence, just as the Israelites remembered God’s care in the wilderness; to receive Christ with living faith in the Holy Eucharist, recognising His real presence in the Bread of Life; and to become what they receive by living as one Body in Christ. He emphasized that participation in the Eucharist is not a private devotion but a communion that unites believers with Christ and with one another, calling them to become His living presence through love, mercy and service, especially towards the poor and those in need.

The Bishop further encouraged the faithful to remain close to the Church, the guardian of the Eucharist, and to allow the Holy Eucharist to transform their daily lives. He reminded them that every Eucharistic celebration strengthens believers for mission, making them instruments of Christ’s compassion, reconciliation and hope in the world.

On 8 June, Bishop James concluded his pastoral visit with a visit to the FMA Novitiate, Kohima, where he celebrated the Eucharist and met the novice sisters and the community, encouraging them to deepen their relationship with Christ and remain faithful to their vocation. Throughout the visit, the Bishop also spent time meeting the parish priests, religious communities and parish members, fostering communion and encouraging them in their shared mission of building vibrant Christian communities.

The pastoral visit concluded with renewed enthusiasm among the faithful, who expressed gratitude for the Bishop’s fatherly presence, pastoral guidance and inspiring message centred on the Holy Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.