Some participants with the Bishop of Kohima (centre), chief guest KD Vizo (right) and others.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 14
A three-day convention of the 39 years existence of Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) entered 2nd day at St Joseph’s (Autonomous) College Jakhama, about 18 Km away from Kohima town on January 14.
Speaking at the occasion, CAN President, Johnny Ruangmei said that as the apex lay body of the Catholic Church completes 39 years, faithfuls should be able to identify challenges that the church face and bring about strategic response to it.
He pointed out that Catholics of the state need to awaken to be able to read the signs of time, particularly on identifying new realities of evangelization.
KD Vizo, advisor to Nagaland Chief Minister, KD Vizo, who graced the inaugural session as the chief guest on Saturday, urged the people to keep intact “non-negotiable Catholic principles.” Some of these principles, he said, include doing away with the practices of abortion, euthanasia, same sex marriage, and so on.
As the apex religious body celebrates 39 years of existence, Vizo urged the faithfuls of the Church to retrospect on the core values and principles of the Catholic faith. The occasion, he observed, is an opportunity for the people to commit themselves to be good stewards of Christ on earth.
In this regard, he questioned if the daily lives of Christians are led by spirit of Christianity.
While acknowledging the role of the Catholic Church in the development of education and healthcare sectors, he also urged the Church to go another mile and consider establishments of medical colleges, engineering, and professional institutions which in turn will provide employment opportunities and train the youth.
The inaugural session began with an invocation and Bible reading by Vicar General and CAN ecclesiastical assistant Rev Fr Neisalhou Carlos which was followed by the lighting of candles, and a welcome note delivered by SJC (A) Principal Rev Father George Keduolhou.
St Francis De Sales Parish and Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) gave musical performances. The session concluded with a note of gratitude by CAN general secretary Thomas Magh.
In the first session, Rev Dr Dn Sherman Kuek, OFS graced the session as the resource person and spoke on the Theme "Credible witnesses of Christ".
Sharing his testimony, Kuek, a former protestant pastor, shared about his journey of embracing the Catholic faith and how people he met along the journey were witnesses of Christ for him.
He encouraged the faithful to be witnesses through baptism and confirmation, and that people can be living witnesses of Christ. The session was moderated by President of Pochury Catholic Union Chichutho Jose.
