Kohima, October 30 (MExN): Youth from Mary Help of Christian Cathedral Parish, Kohima have won the first ever Faith Quiz competition organised in the diocese of Kohima under the auspices of Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM). A total of 31 teams, with two members in each team, from different parishes of the diocese spread across Nagaland took part in the competition held on October 29 at St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama. The award ceremony was graced by Johnny Ruangmei, Secretary General, Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN). In his address to the youth, Johnny applauded Fr. Sojan Xavier, director, NCYM and Regina Razousinuo, president, NCYM and her colleagues for organising such a great event, providing opportunity to the young people to learn about their faith, said a press release from Regina Kithan, NCYM spokesperson. He called upon the participants to share the knowledge of faith they acquired with their fellow youth in their own respective parishes so that they can also gain the knowledge of faith and live it in their lives. He also encouraged the youth to take up entrepreneurship as an option for their livelihood. The teams from Mary Help of Christian Parish, Kohima (Mecieno Margareth Khieya and Oswin Joseph), Don Bosco Science Hostel, Jotsoma (Ethongu C Denys and Nchumthung Paul Kikon) and St. Peter’s Parish, Tesophenyu (Veronica Magh and Bibiana Seb) bagged the first, second and third prizes respectively. Chief Guest Johnny Ruangmei gave away the prizes, which included cash, certificates and other prizes. The first session of the quiz programme began with word of God and invocation of God’s blessing by Rev. Fr. Benny Varghese, administrator of St. Joseph College, Jakhama. Regina Razousinuo, NCYM president extended words of welcome to everyone and Fr. Sojan, NCYM director briefed the proceedings of the quiz programme. Vilanuo Angela, president, Nagaland Catholic Women Association, exhorted the young people. She invited the young people to get rooted in their faith and also lamented over Catholics joining other denomination and taking rebaptism. Rebaptism, she stated is a “sin” and “an insult to our Faith.” She also exhorted the parents to discuss the faith with their children. Some other attractions of the programme included a violin piece from Rev. Fr. C. Joseph, counsellor, St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, mouth organ piece by Zeneikho-o- Benedict, representative to NERYC, solo by Imkongsanen Tzudir, and another solo by Nounengu Augustine. Rev. Fr. Joy Thottankar, Parish Priest, St. Peter’s Church, Tesophenyu was the quiz master, while Teisovi Gerard Meyase, former president NCYM and Medoneisa Marcus Chadi, president, Angami Catholic Youth Association were the judges. The programme, which was anchored by Regina Kithan, spokesperson, NCYM, ended with concluding prayer and blessing by Rev. Fr. Charles D’Souza SJ, Rector, Loyola Complex, Jakhama.
