Chakhesang Catholic Association Lay-Leaders Conclave was held at St Andrew’s Catholic Church, Thenyizumi on January 19.
Phek, January 19 (MExN): The Chakhesang Catholic Association (CCA) Lay-Leaders Conclave was held at St Andrew’s Catholic Church, Thenyizumi on January 19 under the theme, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning and let the discerning get guidance” (Prov.1:5).
A total of 221 Lay Leaders from 23 units covering five parishes under Phek district attended the conclave, stated a press release from the association.
The conclave was graced by Rev Charles Phom as the main Celebrant and Fr Rozu Anthony Dukru and Rev Fr Vemedo Joseph Kezo as the conclave speakers. The conclave was also greeted by Mhaseto Nakro. Neingulie Michael Krome, President welcomed all the delegates and the august gathering.
Fr Rozu Anthony Dukru, Parish Priest St Joseph Parish Chümoukedima delivered his talk on the theme, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning and let the discerning get guidance” (Prov.1:5). He spoke on the need of a good Christian leader’s today and how one should learn from oneself to be a leader first in order to lead, speak, guide, teach and advise others. He also emphasised on how everybody is looking for a leader today, citing biblical reference from the book of 1st Samuel, how God chose Saul and David to be the leader of their people.
Fr Antony also deliberated on the relevance of Church finance that Money is not everything but supporting each other, working together as one community and family is more important. He encouraged the delegates on how to be a responsible husband and wife, saying that one should be a good listener; appreciate each other; let sense of humour prevails; sense of reaching out to each other; be tolerant to one another. “And most importantly bring God to home and family. Be forgiving; avoid argument or quarrel,” he stated.
Rev Fr Vemedo Joseph Kezo spoke on the topic “the Church and the Laity” Lay/laity: church leader/missionaries other than clergy. Christ has empowered every faithful to be a missionary in our own church, community and tribe. He challenged the delegates to grow or move a yard closer in living our catholic faith.
He made his personal observation that “the church leaders of Chakhesang region are being disrespected by the society today and spoke on how to overcome such challenges; and that we need to reflect more in every aspect spiritually, educationally, financially, and morally.”
“For years gone by, we have been ignorant, weak and indifferent in our faith which is why we need to deliberate and address such issues affecting us, in our catholic church, we have priests and nuns who are being called to serve the faithful, to lead or guide and strengthen our faith,” he stated.
He asserted that clergies and laity need to cooperate with each other.
He also said that beauty of prayer life has lost its essence amongst catholic faithful. “As a laity, without God and prayer life, we become less effective. Despite 50 years of catholic faith existed in our Chakhesang region, we have not matured grown stronger in our faith. A sad reality,” he regretted.
During the Conclave, the Association also elected the new office bearers for the tenure 2022-24 with President-Nuvesayi Edward Hoshi; Vice President-Mhetshelo Maxim T Kapfo; General Secretary-Veluhu Anthony Vero; Finance Secretary- Wezotsonyi Thopi; Accountant-Abino Rose Zholia; Press Secretary-Mhaseyi Lohe; Spokesperson-Martha Dukru; Representative to CAN-Neingulie Michael Krome and others in the team.
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