Dimapur, Jan. 8: Sumi Catholic Youth Movement (SCYM)silver jubilee-cum-convention was held under the theme “Increase our Faith,” from January 6 to 8, at St. Peter’s Church, Atoizu.
At the inaugural programme on January 6 evening, Silver Jubilee Souvenir was released by Rev. Fr. Shikaho Isaac, the host Parish Priest, St. Peter’s Church, Atoizu.
On the second day, Holy Eucharist was presided by Rev. Fr. Vinoto Justin OFM, the parish priest of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Lazami,followed by a cultural extravaganza.
The chief guest of the cultural extravaganza session, HitoChophy, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Atoizu, extended words of appreciation to the Catholic Church for the yeoman service rendered to the society especially in the field of education. He exhorted everyone to cooperate with the Church.
On the same day, Rev. Fr. Dr. Sojan Xavier, Chancellor and the Youth Director of the Diocese of Kohima unveiled the monolith erected in memory of the Silver Jubilee. It was followed by a Rosary procession.
Rev. Fr. Mathew Mhabemo, Parish Priest, St. Peter’s Church, Sanis, while speaking on theme “increase our faith,” challenged the young people to root themselves in faith and manifest it in their life.
Dr. Kinitoli, president SCYM and TokupuChophy, general secretary, SCYM chaired the session.
The last day session was presided over by Rev. Fr. Sojan and concelebrated by Frs. Shikho Isaac, Kivishi Solomon, Assistant Priest, St. Peter’s Parish, Meluri, Fr. Stephen OFM, Assistant, St. Clare Church, Akuluto, and participated by youth and the believers from different parishes.
Fr. Sojan,explained the meaning of jubilee and how it has become part of the Catholic Church. He also called upon the congregation, especially, the youth to be brand ambassadors of their faith.“To witness and defend the Catholic faith, one needs to know the treasure of the Catholic teachings and must be rooted in the pristine Catholic Traditions”, he added.
Rev. Fr. Sojan Xavier, while extending greetings on behalf of the bishop and the diocese, reminded the youth that they are the pillars of both the Church and society. He said, “Nagaland needs not just good leaders but excellent leaders to guide its destiny.”
Basil, secretary general of CAN, said SCYM has grown to maturity in faith and at the same time they need to demonstrate it in their life.
Angela, president of NCWAexhorted the gathering to be grateful to the missionaries, who were sacrificing many things in their life and bearing much hardship. She also appealed them to be the change that they want to see in the society.
Olivia Richa, general secretary thanked the members of SCYM for extending the support to NCYM, apex youth body of the Catholic Church in Nagaland. She said they should be indebted to their elders for sowing the seed of faith and nurturing it.
Around 400 hundred youth and a good number of elder from different across Nagaland participated.
Special invitees and pioneer of the movement were also felicitated on the occasion. Office bearers of various Diocesan laity organizations such as Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), Nagaland Catholic Woman Association (NCYA), and Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) graced the occasion as special guests.
