The Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, New Ministers’ Hill, organized a Flower Festival with the theme Worship the Lord in Beauty (1 Chronicles 16:29). The festival took place from November 30 to December 8, coinciding with the 25th-anniversary celebration of the premier Hornbill Festival, which was held from December 1 to 10.

This festival was organized to showcase that the Cathedral was not only a site and sight for tourists but also to raise awareness of its recognition as one of the Christian pilgrimage centers in India, as declared by the Government of India. As one of the country's pilgrimage sites, the Flower Festival aimed to promote pilgrimage and tourism, thereby enhancing the Cathedral’s visibility as a destination for prayer and experiencing God’s healing touch. At the same time, it sought to foster and inculcate environmental stewardship, a pressing need in today’s world. These two goals encapsulated the Cathedral’s call for visitors to behold the beauty of God in the nature around them and to recognize the beauty of God within.

The Flower Festival featured an array of floral exhibitions, horticultural learning sessions, cultural insights, and guided tours, highlighting the Cathedral’s spiritual and aesthetic appeal. Through this event, the organizers sought to attract visitors, boost local tourism, and educate the community on sustainable gardening practices and the importance of preserving Mother Earth.

Smti Salhoutuonuo Kruse, Honorable Minister of Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Government of Nagaland, was the special guest for the Flower Festival’s inaugural program on November 30, 2024, at 9:00 AM in Kohima Diocese Golden Jubilee Hall. 

The success of the Flower Festival was made possible through the dedication, hard work, and collaboration of many individuals. A heartfelt appreciation goes out to all who contributed—organizers, volunteers, participants, and especially the parishioners—whose unwavering support and commitment played a crucial role in making this event a meaningful and memorable one. Their collective efforts not only brought beauty and inspiration to the festival but also strengthened the Cathedral’s mission as a place of pilgrimage, prayer, and environmental stewardship.

We remain grateful to everyone and also appreciate all the leaders for shouldering this event, as mentioned below. May this spirit of unity and devotion continue to flourish in the years to come.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE 

Rev. Fr. Vemedo Joseph Kezo                                                                                    

Parish Priest                                                                                        

Mary Help of Christians Cathedral