Kiphire, December 21 (MExN): The Seyochung Catholic Women Association (SCWA) celebrated its silver jubilee on December 17 at St. Mary’s Church, Seyochung.
Bishop of Kohima diocese Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil graced the occasion as the main celebrant of the Holy Mass. He also blessed the jubilee memorial stone, which was unveiled by Angela, president of Nagaland Catholic Women's Association (NCWA).
In his homily, Bishop James thanked and congratulated SCWA for their faith journey. “The gospel or Christianity itself will not work any miracles in our lives or change us unless we live it in our lives,” he stated, adding “One’s baptism as catholic in itself is not an automatic passport to heaven.”
A press release further informed that the Bishop challenged the assembly to live their lives according to the values of the gospel so as to make faith fruitful. He based this reflection on the letter of St. James, “Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:17).
Meanwhile, he exhorted the women association to make the jubilee an occasion to resolve to rebuild their lives on the strong foundation – Jesus Christ. Bishop James also called upon the women to embrace the future with hope. “Thus, to commit oneself newly and totally to the faith of the Church, the faith of the Catholic Church, for which our forefathers suffered and bore witness, so that we will be filled with the fullness of God,” he added. After the Holy mass, a Eucharistic Procession was held as a sign of recommitment and expression of faith, the release said.
During the felicitation programme, Angela, NCWA president, called upon the women to be good mothers at home. As women of faith, she said, mothers can contribute positively and negatively to the society. Angela also encouraged the Catholic mothers not to shy away to witness the great legacy of faith which was handed by the pioneers.
Earlier, Fr. Amos accorded the words of welcome. Delegates of NCWA and other associations from the sub-centres also attended the jubilee celebration.
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