Lotha Catholic Union (LCU) held a seminar on social teachings of Catholic at Youth Centre DBHSS Wokha, with Elias T Lotha, former president Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) and Johnny Roungmei, former secretary general, Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) as the main speakers on October 8.
A press release from LCU general secretary, M. Samuel Ezung stated that, Elias T Lotha exhorted the gathering on the social teachings of Catholic church since its inception as laid down by St. Peter. Highlighting from the Bible verses he urged upon the congregation to love their neighbour and to be an agent of change and that every individual should imbibe the principal of evangelization in order to reach out to those who are unreached. He encouraged the congregation to impart quality teachings of Catholic church, urging the faithful to re-examine whether they were a true Christian. On the dignity of work and rights of workers he urged the congregation to participate in the creative work of God and not only for individual’s survival. He implored the gathering to follow the teachings of Christ, respecting the rights and needs of others and integrating into the achievement of the common good for all without any distinction.
Johnny Roungmei, in his address said that Catholic social teachings is a church doctrine directed from the teachings of Christ and a directive for action with an aim to help, purify, reason, contribute, acknowledge and attainment of justice and paving the way to leading a good life. He laid stress on common good by urging the congregation not to be selfish or self-centered but by sharing the gifts of God among the community and develop and grow not as an individual but as a community.
During discussion hour on various areas concerning Catholic social teachings all the queries were responded. Earlier the programme chaired by M. Samuel Ezung witnessed a special number from Shanchobeni Kikon, invocation by Rev. Fr. A. D. Jose parish priest Wokha, welcome address by Aremo Patton literature secretary, LCU, vote of thanks by Nzanbemo Lapon, vice president, LCU and benediction by Rev. Fr. John Ntonsi Yanthan, parish in-charge Longsa.