St. Francis de Sales (SFS) Parish Kohima Town celebrated Easter Sunday with fervor, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

During one of the two morning English masses, Rev Fr Mathew Mhabemo, parish priest and main celebrant, extended Easter greetings to parishioners while meditating on the “empty tomb” – a symbol of Christ’s resurrection and victory over death – and highlighting that failures shouldn’t hinder progress, but rather lead to new life and hope.

In his sermon during the Eucharist, Fr Mathew dwelled on the empty tomb, highlighting the story of Peter and John rushing to it after Mary Magdalene’s news. He noted that while John, filled with love for Jesus, outran Peter, it was Peter’s determination to keep running despite his doubts and failures that was noteworthy.

Fr Mathew pointed out that John ran faster than Peter not because he was younger or more energetic, but because Peter was weighed down by his doubts, denial, and failure. “Peter is very much like us,” Fr. Mathew said, adding, “He had his own doubts, failures, denials, and weakness. Just like Peter, let us keep running without losing hope.”

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The parish priest further emphasized that failures are a part of life, but it’s how one respond that matters. He encouraged the faithful to learn from Peter’s experience, who despite his weaknesses, was determined to keep moving forward towards Jesus.

“Our failures may weigh us down, but we should keep moving and we too shall find an empty tomb, leaving our old selves behind and receiving new life and hope,” Fr. Mathew said.

The priest highlighted the significance of the empty tomb, symbolizing the triumph of hope over despair and the promise of new life.

The Easter celebrations concluded with an Angami Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Peter, assistant priest of the parish, marking the end of the weeklong Holy Week festivities.