NCWA 9th convention concludes

Nagaland Catholic Women Association (NCWA) held its 9th convention at St. Paul’s Church Wokha from January 22 to 24, with Holy Mass officiated by Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Sunday. The Bishop also planted a tree in reminiscence of the convention.
Women from 16 tribes all over Nagaland participated in the event. Parish priest, Rev. Fr. Anto Tharakan welcomed the bishop, priests, sisters, laity, invited guests and all NCWA members.
Basing the homily on the manifesto of Jesus of Nazareth, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil said that Christians must live the same vision and mission as Jesus.
He said “only by the way we translate Christ’s vision into action for those who are materially and spiritually poor, those in various types of bondages, people who are blind and oppressed, can we live the scripture today”.
The Bishop emphasized that in the body just as different organs work harmonious for the wellbeing of the whole body, so also “we” must work together and harmoniously to realize the vision of Jesus. 
Before the conclusion of the Holy Mass, he also prayed and blessed the new office bearers of NCWA for the tenure 2016-2019 and wished them the very best in their new responsibilities.
Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil also applauded and congratulated president NCWA, Annie Kath and secretary Floret and their colleagues along with Fr. Mathew Mhabemo and Sr. Rita for organizing the convention.  
President, Council of Catholic Women of India, Juliet Ramamurthy along with her colleagues, Shelia Christina from Chinnai, Pamela Caesar from Kochin, Evoon and Eveline D’Silva from Mumbai were the special guests  for the convention.
Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) executives also took part as special guests and invitees. The speakers were spiritual director NCWA, Rev. Fr. Mhabemo Mathew, principal Holy Cross Higher Secondary School Dimapur, Philip Magh, Rev. Sr. Margarete Sekhose MSMHC, women co-ordinator, Rita Miasalhou, president CCWI, Juliet were the speakers.
The topics for the convention were “A Family that prayers together, stays together”, “Women persevere / bearer of Life”, “Women can transform the society”.
Parish priest, Parish Kohima Town Rev. Fr. Alex SFS conducted the adoration and healing session during the thanksgiving service.
Cultural secretary NCWA Teresa Sanglenshi, general secretary ZCWA Cecilia, former general secretary NCWA Mary Neilakuonuo, former president NCWA Rita Chaya, former president NCWA Celine Lea, Vilanuo Angela, Martha Emilo Ezung, general secretary CCWA Rekha Rose, former secretary NCWA Julia Tep anchored the different programme on different days.
Angami Catholic Women Association, Pochury Catholic Women Association, Sumi Catholic Women Association sang tsongs during the Holy Mass and sessions.
The new office bearers will be led by Vilanuo Angela as president and Florete Sekose as general secretary along with seven others.
Women members from different tribes presented special items during the cultural fest on January 23evening.  The entrance procession and the offertory were accompanied by traditional tune and traditional attires signifying the differences in culture but one in Christ.