Conventions should become manifestation of faith: Bishop of Kohima

Conventions should become manifestation of faith: Bishop of Kohima

Conventions should become manifestation of faith: Bishop of Kohima

ACWA members attending the convention held at the campus of St. Paul Church in Phesama.

 

Kohima, January 21 (MExN): The three-day Angami Catholic Women Association (ACWA) 22nd Convention concluded at the campus of St Paul Church in Phesama on January 19. 


On Sunday, Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima Diocese celebrated Mass as the main celebrant, stated a press release. 


Speaking of the theme “Bear one another’s burden and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2) during his homily, Thoppil prayed that the conventions of this sort become a manifestation and strengthening of faith and a school of education in faith. “After a gathering of this kind we must go back home stronger and firmer in our faith commitment and life,” Thoppil told the congregation. 


Referring to the readings during the Eucharist, everyone is given an open invitation to for a unique role in the family and society - to be a servant leader, following the example of Jesus, bearing one another’s burdens. 


“The gospel of today in a way points to two important things through the imagery of the Lamb of God: the identity of Jesus, and the mission of Jesus. Our recognition and acceptance of Jesus’ identity and mission must make us live like Him, that is to exercise servant leadership,” the Bishop said. 


“The readings invite us to live like a lamb by leading pure, innocent, humble, selfless lives obeying the Christ’s commandment of love; by appreciating the loving providence and protecting care of the Good Shepherd in his Church; by eating the body and drinking the blood of the Good Shepherd and deriving spiritual strength from his Holy Spirit through sacraments and prayers,” the Bishop stated. 


Thoppil asked the womenfolk to follow the example of John the Baptist and Jesus who by their life and service brought fullness of life to others. “As Catholic women imbued with the spirit of the Gospel, may we go from this convention to exercise servant leadership in our families, by which we promote and give better and fuller life to others.” 


The Bishop also invoked God's blessings upon the new team of ACWA office bearers for the term 2020-2022. Earlier in the morning, Rev Fr Dr Keduolhou George spoke on the theme, “Your work place: your altar.” More than a thousand delegates from about 42 churches attended the convention.