“CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS A MISSION OF SERVICE, NOT A COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE”: BISHOP THOPPIL
CHIZAMI, October 9 (NEPS): Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, Chizami, celebrated its Golden Jubilee on Friday, marking 50 years of dedicated service in education, character formation and community development.
The celebration brought together Church leaders, government dignitaries, pioneer missionaries, teachers, students, alumni, parents and members of the local community.
Nagaland Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, K. G. Kenye, graced the occasion as the Special Guest, while Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, delivered the Jubilee message.
The programme featured the hoisting of the Jubilee flag, lighting of the Jubilee lamp, prayer dance, cultural performances, the Jubilee theme song and the release of the Golden Jubilee souvenir.
In his message, Bishop James Thoppil expressed gratitude to God, the pioneering Jesuit missionaries, the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters, successive principals and teachers, alumni, parents and the people of Chizami for their contributions to the school’s growth.
Recounting the school’s humble beginnings as a primary school in 1976, the Bishop paid tribute to the missionaries who persevered despite difficult terrain, inadequate infrastructure and social opposition.
He emphasised that Catholic education was a mission of service rather than a commercial enterprise, particularly in communities where educational opportunities were limited. He highlighted the formation of the head, heart and hands—representing academic competence, moral character and social responsibility—as the foundation of Catholic education.
The Bishop also stressed that Catholic education respects and preserves indigenous culture while preparing students to meet national and international standards.
Addressing the students, he urged them to study diligently, maintain discipline and prayer, respect their teachers and avoid the harmful influences of drugs, alcohol and excessive mobile-phone use. He called on alumni to support their alma mater and urged parents, community leaders, management and staff to continue working together to improve academic standards without compromising human and spiritual values.
Comparing the school to a mustard seed that had grown into a fruitful tree, Bishop Thoppil expressed hope that the institution would continue to nurture responsible citizens committed to God and humanity.
Addressing the gathering, Minister K. G. Kenye acknowledged the opposition and hardships faced by Catholic missionaries in various parts of Nagaland during the early years of their mission. He expressed regret and apologised for the difficulties caused to the Church by sections of the local population.
Kenye commended the Catholic Church for remaining steadfast despite the challenges and recognised its significant contributions to education and society. He also praised the quality of education and character formation provided by Catholic institutions, observing that their students were equipped to meet national and international standards.
Encouraging the students to become responsible citizens, the Minister urged them to study well and give back to society through gratitude and selfless service. His return to the institution after 35 years added personal significance to the celebration. The Golden Jubilee marked five decades of faith, sacrifice and educational service by the Jesuit pioneers, Ursuline Franciscan Sisters, educators and the local community. As Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School embarks on its next chapter, the celebration reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence, cultural preservation, moral integrity and service to humanity.
