Dimapur, November 5 (MExN): The second day of the CAN's Triennial Convention today began with the Holy Eucharistic celebration officiated by Rev. Fr. P. J. Thomas, Parish Priest, Holy Cross, Dimapur. The Thirty three years of Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) started yesterday at Holy Cross Hall, Dimapur with delegates from all the catholic parishes of Nagaland and some other dioceses of Northeast India.
On the opening day, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima was the Chief conferrer while Johnny Humtsoe, Vice president, CAN welcomed the delegates. In the first session on November 5, chaired by the President of Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM), Regina Razousino, the the presidential address was given by Elias Lotha, CAN President while short speeches were given by Fr. Jose Chittissery, SDB and Elias (DIG Retired), which was followed by the speech from the Chief Conferrer Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, the Bishop of Kohima.
In his speech the Bishop dealt with the teaching of the Church on the role and duties of the laity in the Church. The laity through baptism, by which they are incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, share in the triple office of Christ as priest, prophet and king, he said.
There is one mission and diverse ministries and the laity are called in a special way to make the Church present and operative in those places and circumstance, the Bishop said ending his talk by highlighting the duties and obligations of the laity in the Church.
A book entitled, ‘Towards Meaningful Living’ by of Vekupa Rhakho was also released prior to Bishop’s speech. The author’s second book contains selected articles on God, Science, Religion, Philosophy of Life, Culture, Motivations and Education.
The afternoon session had three technical sessions on “the Social Teaching of the Church,” where Rev. Fr. Victor SJ, Prinicpal, Loyola Hr. Sec. School, Jakhama spoke on the dignity of human person, applying the teaching in the concrete situation in Nagaland.
The Principle of Solidarity (towards strengthening the society) was dealt with by Rev. Dr. James Poonthuruthil, SDB, Professor at Sacred Heart Theological College, Shillong.
Fr. Chacko, the Rector of Good Shepherd seminary talked on Principle of Stewardship and Care for Creation. These three sessions were chaired by Telsovi Gerard Meyase, Dr. Seyierkrietuo John and Medonesia Marcus respectively.
During the last session of the day, the new Office Bearers for the next three year term were announced by the election committee. The will be blessed officially on November 6 when the Convention will concludes informed a press note from the Bishop’s Secretary Fr. Thomas Toretkiu.
