The two-day golden jubilee celebration of Angami Catholic Women Association under the theme, “Lord, make me channel of grace” came to a close following the holy eucharist service on Sunday. Chief priest of the jubilee, Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, in his homily, said “we were called to be a channel of grace to others” and the jubilee celebration gives the people an opportunity to examine how this role as channel of grace had been carried out in their personal lives and through the association.
He said it was an opportunity to respond and share the fruits of the various roles and apostolate that had been carried out in the Church especially by the association, such as evangelization, proclaiming and witnessing the Word of God.
Other roles including addressing women’s issues and problems, the protection of life, care of God’s creation, active participation in renewing politics and social life in accordance with the values of the Gospel, participating in the activities and decision making process in the church among others, he said. In all those ways, the bishop said, if people were sincere they could become channels of grace to others. He pointed out that Moses assured the people of Israel that God would raise up a prophet like him from among the people of Israel, who would speak and act in God’s name authoritatively like Moses.
“We, as disciples of Jesus, are called to carry on the mission and work of Jesus by knowing and acknowledging our identity as disciples of Jesus and our connectedness with God, our Father, through Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Then we will be able to eradicate or remove evils in and around us,” he said. Quoting St. Pope John Paul II, the bishop said that Catholic women can become the channel of grace and that without their contribution, society will be less alive, culture impoverished, and peace less sustainable.
In this regard, he said people need to go forward with commitment and conviction to play their role in the Church and in the society. Earlier, the Eucharist was chaired by president, ACWA, Visazhünuo Carmila, while Bible readings were done by Khriezonuo Margaret and Kezhaleü Mathilda. Gospel reading was done by catechist, Christ the King Church, Kohima, Ruokuovituo Robert.
Believers prayer was led by Ruokuoheü Roseline, vote of thanks was proposed by treasurer, ACWA, Meguosieü Josephine and the jubilee choir presented a special number with Medotseinuo Joan as the pianist.
The day began with a session with the director, Men’s Hostel, St Joseph’s College, Jakhama, Rev Dr Fr Pezalhoukho George as the speaker. The service was chaired by Vilvinü Therese with Neinuo Nelly as the pianist, prayer was led by Ameü Mary, while Bible reading was done by Thinuoheü Teresa and benediction was pronounced by Ravolebeino Martha.