Nagaland: CAN convention continues with Mass, faith sessions

The second day of the 5th Convention of the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) commenced on a solemn and prayerful note with the celebration of Holy Mass at St Xavier College, Jalukie, under St Xavier Parish, on Saturday morning.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Eugene Joseph, Bishop of Varanasi and chairman of the Commission for Laity, Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), with the liturgy coordinated by St Xavier Parish, Meluri.
In his exhortation after the Mass, Bishop Eugene Joseph shared about the mission reality of his Diocese of Varanasi, describing it as a region with nearly 99.99 per cent Hindu population and a Catholic community of about 22,000 faithful, who are gradually growing in faith and presence. Expressing hope and solidarity, he said he looked forward to bringing leaders from his diocese to a future CAN Convention to experience the spirit of communion and faith lived by the Church in Nagaland.
The Bishop congratulated CAN and Rev. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, for the sustained and fruitful work of the Association. He prayed that CAN and its leaders would continue to remain an example and model of committed lay leadership in the Church.
Reflecting on the role of CAN, Bishop Eugene Joseph described it as “a God-blessed body of faith” that makes the mysteries of the Church—such as the Incarnation and the Sacraments—tangible and accessible to the world. He noted that through its witness and service, CAN makes Christ visible and enables His love to be experienced and shared, especially by those in need.
“An occasion like this,” he said, “shows that the reality of CAN is the foundation of communion in the Church, which cannot but be synodal. Such a communion makes all a part of one body, with Christ as the Head.”
The second day of the Convention also featured enriching sessions by Fr. Kokto Kurian, Diocesan Youth Director, who led participants on “A Journey Through the History of the Catholic Church”; Fr. Mhabemo Mathew, Parish Priest of St Francis de Sales Church, Kohima, who spoke on “Scripture and the Foundations of Catholic Practices”; and Sr. Margaret Sekhose MSMHC, Provincial Superior of the Sacred Heart Province, Tinsukia, who reflected on “The Rosary: Encountering Christ Through Mary.”
The sessions offered participants deeper insight into the faith, its foundations, and its lived expression.
The Convention will continue on Sunday with principal liturgical and cultural celebrations including a Solemn Eucharistic Mass, Procession, and Cultural Night, and will formally conclude on Monday morning with a Mass and Closing Ceremony.