The Diocese of Kohima in collaboration with NEISSR and Peace Centre, Chümoukedima organised a seminar highlighting the contribution of Catholic Church for the development of Nagaland.
Chümoukedima, September 25 (MExN): The Diocese of Kohima in collaboration with NEISSR and Peace Centre, Chümoukedima organised a seminar highlighting the contribution of Catholic Church for the development of Nagaland on the theme ‘Faith in Action’ for culmination of Catholic Diocese of Kohima Golden Jubilee Celebration on October 26 and 27.
Dr Fr CP Anto, Principal, NEISSR in the welcome address enlisted the fourteen meticulously curated sub-themes of ‘faith in action’ which were organised in three different panels to explore the diverse dimensions of the Catholic Church’s contributions in building Nagaland.
Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Catholic Diocese Kohima in his address emphasised that the Catholic Church is playing an important role in the field of religious, social, educational, cultural, medical and economic life of the state and thus becoming a key player and catalyst in the overall development of the state.
The seminar according to him is not merely an academic exercise but also learning for most of the people especially under the ministry of churches in Nagaland. Catholic Church also invests in person and resources particularly to poor in rural Nagaland. Further, he accentuated on the history of Christianity in Nagaland.
The panels in the first sub-topic ‘An Overview of the Catholic Church (Panel I)’ included Johnny Ruangmei, joint Chief Executive Officer of NSDMA and President of Catholic Association of Nagaland, who spoke on “The Role of the Laity in the Church's Mission in Nagaland.” “The Angami Catholics as Pioneers: Catholic Community and Its Role in Spreading the Faith in Nagaland” was presented by Fr Marcus Yanthan. Dr Fr Francis Cherangal, Principal, St Xavier College, Jalukie reconnoitered on “Pastoral Care and Its Challenges in Nagaland.”
Panel-II had the sub-theme “The Catholic Church and Education.” Fr Dr Jacob Charalel, Chancellor and Secretary to Commission for School Education in the Diocese of Kohima, enlightened us on “Catholic Church and School Education in Nagaland.” Fr Dr George Keduolhou, Principal, St Joseph’s College, Jakhama, discussed about “Catholic Church and Higher Education in Nagaland.” Dr Christina Asavi, Professor at Government College Kohima, delved into “Towards Self-Sufficiency in Personnel and Resources.” Teisovi Gerard Meyase, Associate Professor and Examination Controller at Science College Kohima provided with insights into “Gauging into the Future of the Catholic Church in Nagaland.”
“The Catholic Church and Social Development” was the theme for the Panel III. Pezangulie Soukhrie MSW III student NEISSR on spoke on “The Church and Environmental Stewardship in Nagaland.” Rev Fr Chacko Karinthayil, Secretary to Health Commission in the Diocese of Kohima, spoke on “Contribution of the Catholic Church in the Health Sector in Nagaland.” Rev Fr Sajan Joseph, Director of DAN explicated “Social Development and the Catholic Church.” Dr Fr CP Anto, Principal NEISSR elucidating about “The Church and Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Collaboration in Nagaland.”
Dr Toli H Kiba, Asst Professor, Dr Lily Sangpui, Asst Professor and Fr Robin Thomas, Asst Professor were the panel moderators of each parallel sessions.
After the three parallel panels, all the participants came together in the Peace Centre Hall for a short recap by the three moderators of the three panels. After the concluding remarks and vote of thanks proposed by Fr Lawrence Khing, Vice-Principal NEISSR, prayer of benediction was done by Fr Dr Sebastian Ousepparampil. The session was summed up with NEISSR Anthem and final prayer by Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima Diocese.
A total of 235 students attended the seminar besides the invitees of the Diocese.
