Rev Fr Vemedo Kezo Joseph on the opening session of ACWA’s 23rd convention at Zhadima on January 27.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 27
The 23rd convention of the Angami Catholic Women Association (ACWA), hosted by St Peter and Paul Church Zhadima commenced at Zhadima village in Kohima district on January 27.
Nearly a thousand women from 46 Angami villages covering Southern ACWA, Northern ACWA, Chakhroma ACWA, Western ACWA and Kohima Town ACWA registered on the first day of the 3-day convention which started with the blessing and inauguration of the convention hall by Parish priest of Mary Help of Christians, Cathedral Kohima and ACWA Spiritual Director, Rev Fr Vemedo Kezo Joseph.
Talking on the theme ‘Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished,’ the priest urged Catholic women to reflect on the story and life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. He said that mothers have the key to build or break a family, and society. With this huge responsibility upon the shoulders of mothers, he said that mothers should fulfill this responsibility and never lose the key. As mothers hold a special role in the families, he also encouraged them to be spiritual mothers to their children and keep their children close to the church.
Despite being a minority community, he said that faithfuls of the church should proudly profess the faith by following ethics and teachings of the Catholic Church at home and at workplaces.
The inaugural session was chaired by ACWA vice president Mezhünuo Alice. Greeting was shared by Pezhachülie Philip, Catechist, St Peter and Paul Church Zhadima.
In the second session, Rev Fr Dr Solomon Visosie-o Vizo, Parish priest of St. John the Evangelist Church Khonoma spoke on the topic ‘Faith without work is dead.’ He said that through the Baptism, faithfuls are called to be God's children. He therefore urged the need to regularly feed the soul with spiritual food and be in communion with Christ. Further, he advised the people to have faith, repent, and live by the Catholic faith.
The session was chaired by ACWA Joint Secretary Rüüngu-ü Rose.
The convention will continue till January 29.
