‘Be the light that shines in the darkness’

‘Be the light that shines in the darkness’

‘Be the light that shines in the darkness’

Most Rev Dr James Thoppil,  Justice Kurian Joseph, Rev Fr Dr AJ Sebastian, SDB with others during the day one of the 36th Year Convention of Catholic Association of Nagaland at Holy Cross Church, Dimapur on January 31. (Morung Photo)
 

Catholic Association of Nagaland 36th Year Convention commences 
 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 31


The 36th Year Convention of the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) began here this evening at Holy Cross Church, Dimapur. The three-day convention (January 31-February 2) is being held under the theme ‘Be the light that shines in the darkness’ with Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima Diocese as the main celebrant, Justice Kurian Joseph, former judge of Supreme Court of India as Chief guest and Rev Fr Dr AJ Sebastian, SDB as guest speaker.


In his inaugural address, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, Justice Kurian Joseph said he was fortunate to be with people who are joyous while relating to Nagaland as the land of festivals and that, unless you are joyful, you cannot have festivals. This is his maiden visit to Nagaland. 


“Unless you have inner joy, you may need external aides to be happy but if you have inner joy, you don't need any other external joys,” he further substantiated while pointing out that external joys are temporary. “Inner joy can be only given by the Creator,” he asserted and further shared his philosophy in his life is built on three principles namely, “nothing is impossible with my God, everything is possible with my God, and my God will not leave me empty handed.”


Dwelling on the theme of the convention, he said that things like wealth, power, or positions cannot remove darkness, and emphasized that only God's light can remove darkness. 


In introspection, he impressed upon that we have to ponder on questions such as “have I been able to remove darkness in my workplace or the society I live in?” Also emphasizing that there should be life in light and light in life, he said, “we are called to shine in the world as light and we will be able to shine only if we display light.” “Unless we are charged to the source, we are not in a position to discharge that light”, he added and further expressed “only if we shine, darkness in the world can be removed. 


He also told the congregation to “enjoy the company of God” while sharing his own personal journey of faith. 


Highlights of the inaugural function included scripture reading and prayer by President of Nagaland Catholic Women Association, welcome song by Catholic Women Association, Holy Cross Church, the welcome address, Dr N Simon Dzüvichü, President CAN, special number by Holy Cross Church Choir, Dimapur, report of secretary general by Er Mhaseto Lancelot Nakro, report of treasurer by Mezhüo Marcus Solo, folk song by Sumi Catholic Akukuhou Kuqhakulu and closing prayer by Fr Philip Yanpvüthung, Principal and Assistant Parish Priest, Holy Cross Church, Dimapur. 


A one minute silence was also observed in memory of the deceased CAN leaders and members while it was chaired by James Tsathrongli Sangtam, Vice President, CAN.


On day two of the Convention, Justice Kurian Joseph, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India will deliver a talk on “Role of the laity in the church and society” while Rev Fr Dr AJ Sebastian, SDB will give a talk on ‘The four Marian Dogmas in the Catholic Church’ at 8:30 and 10:30 am respectively. In the afternoon session at 1:00 pm, a panel on ‘Beliefs and Practices of the Catholic Church’ will be moderated by Rev Fr Chacko Karinthayil with Rev Fr Dr Solomon Visosieo Vizo (Moral Theology), Rev Fr Dr George Keduolhu Dzeyie (Biblical Theology), Rev Fr Dr Jacob Charalel (Cannon law) and Sr Mary Dukru, UFC (Catechesis) as panelists.