In the state of Nagaland, at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, recently recognized by the Indian federal government as a national pilgrimage center, an initiative to praise God through the beauty of creation. Bishop Thoppil: «We no longer use plastic flowers in our churches. Now, with the commitment of women to the cultivation of fresh flowers, this message is reaching everyone.
Kohima () – In the diocese of Kohima, in the eastern Indian state of Nagaland, the Flower Festival of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians was inaugurated on November 30, on the theme “Adoring the Lord in beauty”. The initiative – which will last until December 8 – coincides with the 25th Hornbill Festival, which brings together all ethnic groups in Nagaland every year.
The Flower Festival aims to highlight the cathedral, which was recently granted the status of a national pilgrimage center by the Indian federal government. It offers a range of activities, such as flower shows, horticulture learning sessions and guided tours that provide a cultural and spiritual insight into the cathedral and its aesthetics. With this event, the organizers also aim to attract visitors, increase local tourism and educate the community in sustainable gardening practices and the importance of preserving nature. Father Vemedo Kezo, parish priest of the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, explains to : “We have been planning this event for almost a year and, thanks to the enthusiasm of the faithful, we have managed to organize it.”
Salhoutuonuo Kruse, the local government’s Minister of Women’s Resource Development and Horticulture, was the special guest at the festival, described as a celebration of “faith, beauty and community.” Kruse stressed that the initiative not only showcases floral art, but also bears witness to the deep faith in the transformative beauty of nature given by God. After congratulating himself on the recent recognition, he expressed his hope that the cathedral will improve thanks to the collaboration between the different departments.
Bishop James Thoppil, bishop of Kohima, told : “Since the publication of the encyclical Laudato si’, the diocese has supported its application in practical life. As bishop, I asked that plastic flower bouquets no longer be used in churches and that natural flowers be always used and organic farming be encouraged. Since then, the women of the cathedral have taken special care to keep the premises decorated with fresh flowers and plants. “The flower exhibition is the culmination of this effort.”
Add Comment