A three-day convention of 9th Zeliangrong Catholic Women Association (ZCWA) culminated with the Holy Eucharistic celebration officiated by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, and concelebrated by many other priests at Nkwareu village in Peren district.
The celebrants were led to the altar by traditional Rongmai dance, while the choir of the day was led by the CYA of St. John Church, Nkwareu. Rev. Fr. Anthonysamy, Jalukie parish priest, accorded the words of welcome to the bishop, priests, sisters and other invited guests.
The bishop, in his homily, highlighted the words of John the Baptist: “repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” The bishop elucidated the Greek word “metanoeo” which means to change one’s mind or direction and also said repentance means that we make a complete change of direction in our lives.
He said it involves a radical conversion, a change of direction and priorities in our lives. He said, for Jesus repentance is not merely saying “I’m sorry,” but also promising to change our lives. He said repentance starts with the new vision rather than the guilt feelings. It means that we have to give up old ways and accept the new way of life which Jesus was promoting.
Referring to the Gospel of the day, the bishop spoke of how Jesus invited his first apostles on the shore of Lake Galilee to follow him. He said the response was immediate and so radical that they did not even think about the future consequences.
The bishop has urged the congregation to be radical in their response to Jesus while maintaining that it is this radical that would produce good fruit. He said this in referring to the theme of the convention, “No good tree bears bad fruit.”
In order that a tree bears good fruit, one needs to cultivate the tree, the bishop said adding that one’s life must be well cultivated through the grace of the sacraments, good dispositions, good thoughts and deeds.
At the end of the Holy Eucharistic celebration, the Bishop blessed the new and outgoing office bearers. The newly elected office bearers for 2015-2018 is headed by Mrs. Makeyitü as president, Mrs. Lansailiu as vice president, Mrs. Cicelia as secretary, Mrs. Marina as joint secretary, and Mrs. Zaigong as treasure.
Rev. Fr. Shaji Mathew, Administrator of St. Xavier’s College, exhorted on the topic ‘No good tree bears bad fruit,’ while Johnny Kadunsin, secretary general CAN, spoke on the topic ‘Role of women in the family and church.’ Lungkao, Catechist of Mhainamtsi spoke on ‘Are we the true followers of Christ’? and Mrs. Akangna spoke on ‘A women’s faith’.
The three-day conference was marked with various competitions in singing, Bible quiz, selling of handicrafts and cultural show. The outgoing president and incoming president spoke to the congregation and exhorted them to be strong and unite in their faith. The program concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Mrs. PG Jacinta.
Friday, February 20, 2026