The Vestition Ceremony of four seminarians was solemnly celebrated at Good Shepherd Seminary (GSS), Dimapur, marking an important milestone in their journey towards the priesthood. The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, DD, Bishop of Kohima.

The four seminarians vested during the celebration included three brothers from the Archdiocese of Imphal and one brother from the Diocese of Kohima. The ceremony was attended by priests, religious, family members and friends, who gathered to witness and pray for the candidates as they entered the next stage of their priestly formation.

In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Jaison Thomas, Rector of Good Shepherd Seminary, warmly welcomed the Bishop, clergy, religious, parents, benefactors, and the faithful. He explained that the cassock is bestowed upon seminarians who have been found worthy of admission to the next stage of formation, signifying their deeper commitment to discerning God’s call to the priesthood. He described the vestition as a visible expression of the candidates’ desire to draw closer to Christ and His altar. He further reminded the congregation that the white cassock is not merely an external garment but a symbol of being “clothed in Christ.”

During the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop James exhorted the candidates to wear the cassock with humility, dedication, and fidelity, allowing their external sign of commitment to be reflected in an authentic life of discipleship and service. He also encouraged the faithful to pray earnestly for vocations and to support young men responding generously to God’s call.

The solemn celebration concluded with a fellowship meal, bringing together the Bishop, priests, religious, seminarians, families, and the faithful in a joyful spirit of thanksgiving and communion.