Dimapur, Jan 14: A three-day convention of the Angami Catholic Women Association (ACWA) got underway on January 13 at Holy Cross Church, Chedema, on the theme ‘Take heart; rise, he is calling you (Mark 10:49).’
Bishop of Kohima Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, officiated the Holy Eucharist on January 14 as the main celebrant. Different topics were dwelled upon by resource persons namely Rev. Fr. Neisalhou Carolus, Vicar General, Diocese of Kohima & ACWA Spiritual Director; Peter Salew SDB, Parish Priest, Christ King Parish, Kohima; Sony Puthiyadam, VC, Director of Ave Maria Divine Retreat Centre, Zhadima; Vemedo Joseph Kezo, St. Joseph College, Jakhama; Rev. Fr. Alex Vizo, Parish Priest of St. Francis De Sales, Kohima; Ms Vilanuo Angela, President of Nagaland Catholic Women Association; and Rocus R Chasie, retired Joint Director (IEC) of Health & Family Welfare.
The Bishop congratulated the office bearers of the Angami Catholic Women Association (ACWA) for organising such a huge convention. He said after a gathering of this kind one must go home stronger and firmer in faith.
The Bishop the theme “Take heart, Jesus is calling you” is an open invitation to every woman of faith. On the purpose of Jesus’ call, he said each one must examine and give an answer to that question by oneself. ‘May be Jesus is calling one for a more dedicated family life. May be he is inviting one to be more faithful in one’s religious commitment. May be he is inviting one to forgive another person. Each must give a fitting answer to Jesus’ invitation accordingly to one’s concrete situation,’ the Bishop said.
He also pointed out the various women mentioned in the Bible and how each of them fulfilled their God’s invitation. He said it is a joy to a mother’s heart when her children rise up and call her blessed or honours her with good behaviour.
The Bishop exhorted the participants to give a spiritual dimension to their life as a mother adding only then one will see what the Lord can do for one in their life. ‘The Lord is calling you, each and every mother, each and every woman, to be role models for their children. Rise, the Lord is calling you. May you be strengthened through the grace of the Eucharist we celebrate today and every day of our life,’ the Bishop added.
Participants from various places such as Cathedral Kohima, Chatouphe, Chedema, Chiechama, Chiephobozou, Chumukedima, CKC Kohima, Dihoma, Holy Cross Dimapur, Jakhama, Jotsoma, Kezo Bosa, Kezo town, Kezoma, Khonoma, Khuzama, Kidima, Kigwema, Kukidolong, Medziphema, Meriema, Metelephe, Mezoma, Mima, Nerhema, New Reserve, Peducha, Pfuchama, Phesema, Phevima, Phezucha, Piphema, Razhaphe, Rüsoma, Sechü Zubza, SFS Kohima, Socünoma, St. Cang Hasang, Jotsoma, Tenyiphe, Thizama, Toulazouma, Touphema, Viswema, and Zhadima are attending the convention.
