The ordination ceremony was graced by the presence of Bishop Wilbert, the shepherd of the Diocese of Nongstoin, who presided over the sacred rites, joined by the Vicar General, the Parish Priest of Nongkasen Parish and the diocesan councilors. Fr. John Zosiama, SDB, the Salesian Provincial, also stood in solidarity with his confrere, Deacon Jetendis Sohshang, as he embarked on this sacred vocation.

The sacred event drew thousands of faithful from across the Diocese of Nongstoin, with special attendees from Nongkasen Parish, who were also celebrating the Silver Jubilee of their parish.

Before the ordination rites began, Bishop Wilbert, in his heartfelt homily, shared words of deep spiritual significance. Reflecting on the true source of happiness, he said, “True happiness lies in having a relationship with God.” Speaking directly to the deacons who were about to be ordained, he reminded them of their eternal calling: “You are priests forever in His Church. This consecration is irrevocable, a gift from God established through the apostles, with Peter as the cornerstone. This is the foundation upon which you stand.”

The bishop emphasized the sacred nature of the priesthood, urging the deacons to remember that their vocation is not for personal gain or for a select few, but for the entire Church. “Be priests for the whole Church, for the entire world. Just as the missionaries came to this land as priests of the Church, so too must you serve with humility, in the charism God has entrusted to you, for the growth of the Church.”

As the bishop continued, he spoke of the solemn promises that the new priests would make: “You promise to spread the Word of God, to administer the sacraments, to pray for the faithful, and to obey the bishop, your superiors, and to be obedient to the people who will, in turn, pray for you.”

Turning his attention to the Jubilee celebrations of Nongkasen Parish, Bishop Wilbert reflected on the significance of this milestone. “This Jubilee is a thanksgiving to God. It brings freedom, as Moses led the Israelites out of captivity after 25 years of exile. In the same way, this Jubilee marks freedom in our hearts and in our community. For 25 years, this parish has been a place of spiritual growth, where knowledge of God has flourished.”

He also noted that this year marks the commencement of a Jubilee year for the global Catholic Church, a time to give thanks for overcoming the challenges of the past 25 years.

Addressing the faithful, the bishop shared the key to lasting peace and joy: “Peace is not found in wealth or our abilities; true happiness comes only through a relationship with God. Be prayerful, pray together, and read the Word of God. The Word brings life, wisdom, and hope.”

Following the homily, the solemn ordination rite took place with deep reverence. The saints were invoked to intercede for the deacons, and the bishop, accompanied by the prayers of numerous priests, religious, and faithful, consecrated the new priests. The presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable, marking this moment as a profound spiritual event.

The liturgy of the Holy Mass followed, and at the conclusion of the celebration, the three new priests expressed their heartfelt gratitude. They thanked God, the bishop, their superiors, and all who had supported them on their spiritual journey to the priesthood.

This ordination was not only a moment of personal grace for Deacon Jetendis Sohshang and his fellow deacons, but also a joyous occasion for the entire Church, as it celebrated the ongoing growth and strength of the faith within the Diocese of Nongstoin and the Province of St. John Paul II.