Annual feast of St Clare of
Assisi at St Clare Church, Akuluto Nagaland Report by Fr Stephen Dsouza, Capuchin St Clare feast was celebrated in Akuluto Catholic Church on Sunday, 21st
of August 2022 at 10 am. The chief celebrant was Fr John Peter from St
Francis of Assisi Friary Lazami. In his introduction he explained about the
story of St Clare being the Patroness of TV. He said, “on Christmas Eve,
Clare was so sick that she could not get out of bed even to go to Mass.
While the other sisters were on their way to mass, she stayed in bed praying
so she could take part in the mass with her prayer. Just then, the Lord
granted her a miraculous vision, and she was able to see the Mass, even
though she was far away from where it was happening, as if it were taking
place right in her own bedroom. In 1958, when Pope Pius XII was trying to
find a saint to name as patron for the marvelous new invention called
Television, he recalled this incident in the life of St. Clare. Since
“television” is Greek for “vision from afar”, Clare was chosen as its
patroness.”
Fr Hubert Sangtam preached a heart touching Homily in Sema Language. He
said, “St Clare after deciding to follow Christ through the footsteps of St
Francis, she never turned back. Her richness didn’t stop her from loving the
Lord. She found true Joy in Jesus Alone.”
The sanctuary was decorated with 15 priests which included 12 Capuchins and
2 Diocesan Priests. Capuchins namely, Fr Isaac Baptist Rodrigues the
Provincial Delegate of Infant Jesus Delegation Nagaland Manipur. First and
second counsellors Fr Paul Inashe Parish Priest of Lazami Church, Fr Brayan
Dsouza Parish Priest of Tamlu Church. Fr Joslie from Tamlu, Fr Gerald Veigas,
Fr Vincent Serravo, Fr Vika Chishi from Dimapur Capuchin House.
Two Diocesan Priest were Fr Isaac Swu Parish Priest of Agunato, the regional
animator and Fr Ashiko Abraham, Parish Priest of Atoizu Church.
St Clare Church also witnessed the presence of religious sisters of Agunato,
Zunheboto and Atoizu Convents. On this occasion around 35 students and staff
from Nagaland University Lumami were present for the celebration.
Fr Stephen Dsouza Parish Priest of Akuluto thanked the fathers, sisters and
faithful for their devout presence. Fr John Peter the main celebrant, Fr
Hubert the preacher, Fr Isaac Rodrigues the Provincial delegate, Fr Paul
Inashe and Fr Brayan Dsouza the first and second counsellors were honored by
Fr Stephen, Fr Johnson and Fr James. Mr Kughato Justin the GB of GA Colony
who is also a Catholic member of Akuluto Catholic Church, was honored by Frs
Stephen, Johnson and James with a bouquet and Sumi Shawl.
Fr Stephen thanked Mr Vikishe Peter the chairman, Mr Aboto Cathechist, Mr
Matthew and Mrs Agoli the treasurers and the entire Catholic community for
cleaning the surrounding, decorating and getting ready the sumptuous meal on
the occasion of the feast. He expressed the words of gratitude to Frs
Johnson and James for helping out in getting ready for the feast of St
Clare. He thanked the Sr Alphonsa and Sr Senorita for helping out to cook in
the friary, St Clare school staff for their presence.
Speaking of the Choir he said, “Today we have little angels coming all the
way from Heaven. They are St Clare hostellers.” He thanked them for their
melodious singing.
There was also a small programme arranged by the Catholic Community. Ms
Likivi was the Anchor for the event. All the Priests and Religious sisters
were honored by the community with a bouquet. Sir Vikram’s Hostellers and St
Clare Hostellers sang praise and worship song and danced for the traditional
Tune. On the occasion of feast sumptuous meal was served prepared by the
Catholic community of Akuluto.
