A three-day All India Catholic Union (AICU) 7th working committee meeting was held on May 25 at Don Bosco Institute for Development and Leadership (DBIDL) Dimapur hosted by the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) as Catholic Laity Association of Nagaland.
A press release issued by secretary to Bishop of Kohima, Fr. Victor Renthungo, stated that the meeting was inaugurated by the Bishop of Lucknow Diocese and chairman for the Laity CCBI, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald John Mathias, as the chief conferrer.
The release said that Bishop Dr. Gerald John Mathias celebrated the inaugural Holy Mass invoking the grace and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
In his homily, Bishop Dr. Gerald stressed on the working of the power of the Holy Spirit in the church and challenged the assembly to become authentic witnesses of the Gospel.
In the second session, Bishop Dr. Gerald exhorted the gathering based on the “Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate (Mt. 5:12)” of Pope Francis on the call to holiness in today’s world.
Bishop of Kohima Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, while speaking on the occasion acknowledged the contribution of Catholic Laity Association in Nagaland for the growth of the church.
During the interactive session, social activist and former national president of AICU, Dr. John Dayal, and commissioner transport, government of Nagaland, Elias T Lotha, spoke on the topic “understanding the uniform civil code and similar laws”.
CAN president, Dr. N. Simon Dzüvichü, welcomed the special guests and delegates, CAN secretary general, Er. Mhaseto Nakro delivered vote of thanks, Shalom Rehabilitation Centre, Chumoukedima, director, Fr. Chacko Karinthayil invoked God’s blessings.
AICU, national president, Lancy D’ Cunha was the main presider of the programme. The second was chaired by OSD disaster management, government of Nagaland, Johnny Ruangmei.
Around 50 delegates for outside Nagaland and 60 delegates from Nagaland were reported to be registered for the meeting.