Deacon Savio Angoto Rote and Deacon John Nokeduzo Kotso were ordained priest by Rev. Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, on December 27 at Kidima village ground on the theme “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15: 16).

Rev. Fr Keduoneilie Alex Vizo, the Parish Priest, in his welcome speech said that the two deacons to be ordained as priests are the first ones in the past 54 years of Catholic faith in Kidima village.

In his homily, Bishop James Thoppil informed that the two deacons would be called Fr. Savio and Fr. John. He satated that priesthood is a gift of God for mission and the Church. He also reflected on the word of God from the day’s liturgy “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you” (Jer 1:5) and don’t say, ‘I am too young’, to whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak” (Jer 1:7), urging the newly ordained priests to be shepherds of the flock, to preach the Gospel, to administer the sacraments and to lead the people of God in worship and prayer.

The Bishop asked the gathering to be vigilant of the satan’s work against the incursion of those who in every age, seek to divide, confuse and scatter the flock.

The traditional blessing was pronounced by Zekrol Michael Soleho.

The Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Neisalhou Carlous, announced the worthy of the deacons to be ordained as priests. The bishop later accepted the deacons to hold the presbytery.

The litany of saints, laying on of hands, prayer of consecration, investiture with stole and chasuble, anointing of the hands with chrism oil, presentation of gift by the bishop (Chalice and Paten) of the ecclesiastical and fraternal kiss of peace were the rite of the ordination.

Rev. Fr. Dr. George Keduolhou Angami led the sacerdotal programme. More than 60 priests from various parishes also took part in the ordination programme.