Kohima, February 25 (MExN): The annual Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) meeting of the diocese of Kohima was held at Mt. Tabor, Kohima with the theme ‘Family in today’s context’. It was a study on the post synodal apostolic exhortation, Amoris laetitia (Joy of love) of Pope Francis. 123 representatives from all the eleven districts of Nagaland took part in the meeting of DPC – the forum which brings together all sections of the people of God: the bishop, priests, religious and laity. A press release from Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Bishop’s Secretary, Kohima informed that Amoris laetitia (Joy of Love) is the fruit of two synods held in Rome: the extra ordinary synod held in 2014 and the ordinary synod held in 2015. It was released on April 8, 2016. The document focuses on several of the issues of contemporary morality and church practice and suggests ways to make family in the modern times strong and vibrant, reflecting the image of the family as intended by God from the beginning of creation. Rev. Dr. Joy KD from the Archdiocese of Imphal, who is also the Secretary of the Family Commission of the North East Bishop’s Council, gave a summary of the whole document, emphasising the fact the Pope reaffirms the traditional doctrine and practices of the Church, inviting and giving space for pastoral discernment in each particular and concrete situations. "Families in Nagaland: Challenges and Opportunities; Problems and Remedies" was the theme dealt by Liangsi Niumai John, a social worker and lawyer from Dimapur. She shared her experience as a social worker. As a social worker, she had the opportunity to come very close to many families and the many challenges the families face, the release said, adding she found that there are many dysfunctional families. She pointed out the causes and suggested ways and means to make families functional and healthy. “If the family is in order, the state is in order; if the state is in order the great community of humanity will be in order,” she stated. In the afternoon session, the house discussed and came to some concrete plans and programs to strengthen the family life and uphold the sacredness of the sacrament of marriage. Earlier, the report of the DPC 2016 was read by Marina, Secretary, DPC.
