Kiphire Catholic Women Society celebrates silver jubilee

Kohima, February 7 (MExN): Bishop of Kohima, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, graced the silver jubilee celebration of Catholic Women Society of Kiphire as the main celebrant on February 7. Eight other priests con-celebrated with the bishop.   In his introductory, the bishop said that jubilee for the Israelites was a very special occasion to reconcile, renew and re-dedicate themselves. “It was time to renew and re-establish broken relationships and mend the bad way,” he stated. In his homily, he illustrated the theme of the jubilee - “Women as faith givers”. Rev. Dr. James said women or mothers especially are not merely life givers, but also faith givers and faith livers. Exemplifying the mother of the seven sons in the second book of Maccabees, chapter seven, the bishop said that a mother is a great source of joy not in providing everything material in the world, but to see their children in heaven with God.  

“Can we be such faith givers? First of all, do we love, accept, appreciate and cherish our faith?” he questioned, adding “If only one values one’s faith, will one give importance to it.” The bishop further reminded that even after bringing life to the world, we are not in control of life. “Do we consider the greatest gift we can give to our children after life is faith? If we are faith givers, then our life giving become purposeful and joyful,” he added.   The bishop also highlighted the need to live the faith, which calls for peaceful and loving relationship with one another. “Only people who neither fear God nor respect human being dare to take the lives of others. Faith is real only if we respect, love and care for one another for we are all children of God.”   Rev. Dr. James also blessed and inaugurated the Marian Grotto, the Rosary garden, and memorial park erected in memory of four teachers who had died in service.   The Nagaland Catholic Women Association was represented by its president, Angela, Rose Abino, and Marina.   Theresa Lendila and Thomas Y anchored the programme.   Meanwhile, on February 6 evening, Rita Chaya, former president of Nagaland Catholic Women Association was the main resource person and speaker. Speaking on the theme of the silver jubilee, Rita challenged the catholic women to be an agent of change in society, home, and also in the work places.   She maintained that women are created more unique by God and it is a blessing to be a woman. Chaya further noted that women have more responsibility everywhere and asked the women present to learn how to listen so that joy, happiness and success are seen in one’s home.   Also, stating that Naga society today is deficit of peace, unity, and oneness, she asked the Catholic women to obey God so that with different blessings and talents the deficits can be filled. Sharing more on faith, the speaker said faith can be given in three ways - one can have faith in God, faith in others, and faith in oneself.   On Saturday evening, there was also special adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and reconciliation service for the community in preparation for the jubilee.