The St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lakhuti celebrated its Platinum Jubilee from 16–18 January 2025, marking 75 years of Catholic faith under the theme “Thy Kingdom Come, O Lord” (Mt. 6:10). The celebration concluded with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima.

The jubilee served as a call to forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity, highlighting the steady growth of the Catholic faith in Lakhuti across generations. The 75-year milestone was remembered as a testimony to God’s enduring grace and the sacrifices of the pioneers who embraced the faith amid challenges and opposition.

The first day began with the blessing of the jubilee site by Rev. Fr. N.K. George, followed by the release of a commemorative postal envelope by Echungthung Yanthan, Assistant Director of Postal Services. Eucharistic Adoration led by Rev. Fr. Marcus Yanthan and Sr. Rita Humtsoe, FCC, concluded the day.

On the second day, the Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Abraham Lotha, the first priest from Lakhuti, followed by a Eucharistic procession around the village and evening adoration with confessions.

The final day was marked by the Bishop’s visit and the blessing and dedication of the new church building and the Platinum Jubilee monolith. The monolith was unveiled by Yanjo Veronica Yanthan, wife of pioneer Yantsao Lucus Yanthan, while the ribbon cutting and opening of the church door were performed by Abraham Santsuo Humtsoe, son of pioneer Shanpano Zechariah Humtsoe.

In his homily, Bishop Thoppil congratulated the faithful for their enduring witness and recalled the sacrifices of the early converts. Citing Romans 8:35–39, he affirmed that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ and described Lakhuti as a beacon of faith where the Church first took root before spreading to neighbouring villages and the wider Lotha community. He urged the faithful to remember the past with gratitude, renew their commitment in the present, and live Christian values of love, service, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

The felicitation programme following the Mass was chaired by Jonas Yanthan. Short speeches were delivered by Dr. Johnny Ruangmei, outgoing President of the Catholic Association of Nagaland, and Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor to the Government of Nagaland. The vote of thanks was delivered by Elias T. Lotha.

The jubilee concluded with renewed gratitude for the past and hope that the faith of the pioneers will continue to inspire future generations.