Nagaland: CWA Mon celebrates 25th anniversary

The three-day 25th anniversary celebration of the Catholic Women Association (CWA), Mon, was held from December 12 to 14 at Don Bosco Centre, Mon. The celebration marked 25 years of committed service, faith witness and community building by CWA Mon. It was observed in conjunction with the Konyak Catholic Convention under the theme “To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:19).
The Jubilee celebration was inaugurated with the blessing of the Jubilee Monolith by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima. Rev. Fr. Francis T.J., Centre In-charge, welcomed clergy, religious, invited guests and faithful who gathered for the historic occasion.
The Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist, presided by Bishop James Thoppil, was the spiritual highlight of the concluding day. In his homily, the Bishop described the Jubilee as a sacred moment to celebrate, reflect, repent, renew and rededicate oneself to the mission of proclaiming the Lord’s favour, drawing inspiration from the biblical tradition of Jubilee.
Reflecting on the readings from Isaiah (35:1–6,10), James (5:7–10) and Matthew (11:2–11), Bishop Thoppil said Jubilee is a time of hope, healing and joyful witness. Quoting Isaiah, he likened the journey of CWA Mon to a desert that has blossomed, becoming a source of comfort and hope to many.
He commended the Catholic women of Mon for being the hands and feet of Christ, especially in a region where Catholic presence is minimal. Through prayer, liturgical participation, family apostolate and charitable works, the Association has strengthened parish life and given joyful witness to Christian womanhood.
Emphasizing that faith must be lived and not merely professed, the Bishop reminded the faithful that Christian values must permeate daily life and decisions. Citing St. James, he stressed that “faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:17), urging women to build their lives on the strong foundation of Christ and His teachings. He encouraged them to remain beacons of hope, drawing strength from the Word of God and the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A felicitation programme followed the Eucharistic celebration, with Pakon Phom, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mon, gracing the occasion as special guest.
Rev. Fr. Arokiasamy, SDB, one of the pioneers of Don Bosco Centre, expressed joy at witnessing the growth of the Catholic community in Mon—from three families to over 40 families today. He recalled early missionary efforts and paid tribute to Fr. Chacko of Imphal Diocese and other pioneers whose dedication nurtured the young Church in the region.
Ruokuoheü Roselyn, president of Nagaland Catholic Women Association (NCWA), conveyed greetings on behalf of the state association. She exhorted women to ensure that every action reflects Christ, reminding them that belonging to the Church founded by Jesus Christ is both a privilege and responsibility. She encouraged Catholic women to live out Gospel values authentically, becoming credible witnesses in society.
The three-day Jubilee also featured faith-formation sessions led by resource persons. Rev. Fr. Kokto Kurian, director of Nagaland Catholic Youth Association (NCYA), spoke on “Catholic Faith” and “Participation: Catholic Social Teachings.” Rev. Fr. Solomon Kevishe, Parish Priest of Holy Redeemer Church, Tobu, delivered a session on “The Role of the Laity in the Catholic Church.”