Thousands of believers from across the state gathered at the St. Joseph’s (Autonomous) college Jakhama on the second day of the trienniel convention of Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) on Saturday,
The convention coincided with the 39th anniversary of the association.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural, advisor to chief minister, KD Vizo, urged the people to keep intact the “non-negotiable Catholic principles”.
Some of these principles, he said, included doing away with the practices of abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality among others.
As the apex religious body celebrates 39 years of existence, Vizo urged the faithfuls of the Church to retrospect on the core values and principles of the Catholic faith.
He observed that the occasion was an opportunity for the people to commit themselves to be good stewards of Christ on earth.
While acknowledging the role of the Catholic Church in the development of education and healthcare sectors, he observed that the Church has to cover more miles by means of establishing medical and engineering colleges and professional institutions which in turn would provide employment opportunities and train the youth.
Speaking at the occasion, CAN president Johnny Ruangmei said that as the apex lay body of the Catholic church completed its 39th year, believers should be able to identify challenges that the church face and bring about strategic response to it.
He pointed out that Catholics of the state needed to wake up to be able to read the signs of time, particularly on identifying new realities of evangelization.
The inaugural session began with an invocation and Bible reading by Vicar General and CAN ecclesiastical assistant Rev Fr Neisalhou Carlos, followed by the lighting of candles while welcome note was delivered by SJC (A) principal, Rev Fr George Keduolhou.
St. Francis De Sales Parish and Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) gave musical performances.
The session concluded with a note of gratitude by CAN general secretary Thomas Magh.
In the first session, Rev. Dr. Dn. Sherman Kuek, OFS was the resource person. He spoke on the theme, “Credible witnesses of Christ”.
Sharing his testimony, Kuek, a former protestant pastor, spoke on how he embraced the Catholic faith and how people he met along the journey were witnesses of Christ for him.
The session was moderated by Pochury Catholic Union, president, Chichutho Jose. (Correspondent)
Prayer and healing: A “prayer and healing crusade” was held on January 13 at NCRC prayer centre with director for Europe and Asia centre for Bible exposition language and translation (CBELT), Zutso as the speaker. The service began with the reading of scripture and prayer by Rev. Yanong Konyak while Along Thonger leader, Ruokuolhoulie Solo pronounced the offertory prayer; Michael Suohu and worship team from flames of fire church New Market Kohima lead the congregation in worship.
Friday, June 27, 2025