The newly appointed office bearers of the Catholic Association of Nagaland with the Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, on January 12 in Jalukie. (Photo Courtesy: CAN)
Office bearers for 2026-29 tenure appointed
Jalukie, January 12 (MExN): The 5th convention of the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) culminated on January 12 in Jalukie Town with a Holy Mass, blessing of newly elected office bearers, a Eucharistic Procession through Jalukie town, and a Cultural Night.
The day began with Session 4, during which CAN President, Dr Johnny Kadunsin Ruangmei spoke on “Faith, Hope, and Love in Action in the Mission of CAN,” calling upon Catholics to live their faith through active engagement in the Church and society.
Session 5 featured Fr Dr Francis Cheerangal, principal of St Xavier College, Jalukie, who addressed the gathering on “Living the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching in the Context of Nagaland.”
He emphasised justice, peace and social responsibility rooted in Gospel values.
The spiritual highlight of the day was the afternoon Holy Mass presided over by Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima.
During the Mass, the newly elected CAN office bearers for the 2026–2029 tenure were formally blessed, entrusting their leadership and service to God.
The office bearers are: President Jonas Yanthan; Vice Presidents Er Khrotso John Koza and Mopnyei Phom; Secretary-General Victor Kevilhouthie Yhome; Secretaries John Yimkhiung and Ruvisie Mark Poji; Treasurer Er. Kolevi Kent; and Executive Members John Tsulise, N. Lanusangba Leander Aier, Dr Kekhrieseno Christina, Nyanbeni Humtsoe and Pukhaxü Luke.
The advisors are Dr Johnny Ruangmei, Elias T Lotha, Rovilatuo Nicholas Mor, Mathew Sangtam and Neingulie Michael Krome.
Following the Mass, a Eucharistic Procession was held from the convention venue through Jalukie town, with the faithful accompanying the Blessed Sacrament in prayer and hymns, bearing public witness to their faith.
The procession concluded at St Xavier Parish, Jalukie, where the Bishop imparted the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, invoking God’s blessings upon the people, the town and the state, a CAN press release stated.
