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Pastor representatives from across the state at the annual Diocesan Pastoral Council meeting in Kohima.[/caption]
Dimapur, Feb. 25: The annual Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) meeting of the diocese of Kohima was held at Mt. Tabor, Kohima under the theme ‘Family in today’s context’. It was a study on the post synodal apostolic exhortation, ‘Amoris laetitia’ (Joy of love) of Pope Francis. DPC is the forum that brings together all sections of the people of God: the bishop, priests, religious and laity.
Amoris laetitia is the fruit of two synods held in Rome: the extra ordinary synod held in 2014 and the ordinary synod held in 2015. It was released on April 8, 2016. The document focuses on several of the issues of contemporary morality and church practice and suggests ways to make family in the modern times strong and vibrant, reflecting the image of the family as indented by God from the beginning of creation.
Rev. Dr. Joy KD, from the Archdiocese of Imphal, who is also the secretary of the Family Commission of the North East Bishop’s Council, gave a summary of the document, emphasising the fact that Pope reaffirms the traditional doctrine and practices of the Church and inviting and giving space for pastoral discernment in each particular and concrete situations.
Liangsi Niumai John, a social worker and lawyer from Dimapur spoke on topic “Families in Nagaland: Challenges and opportunities; Problems and remedies”. Sharing her experience as a social worker, she said she had the opportunity to come very close to many families and many challenges the families face. She also said there are many dysfunctional families and pointed out the cause and suggested ways and means to make families functional and healthy. “If the family is in order, the state is in order; if the state is in order the great community of humanity will be in order” she stated.
In the afternoon session, the house discussed and came to some concrete plans and programs to strengthen the family life and uphold the sacredness of the sacrament of marriage.
Earlier, the report of the DPC 2016 was presented by Marina, secretary of DPC. Rev. Fr. Solomon Vizo, Parish Priest, Khonoma and Rev. Fr. Chacko Karithiyal, rector of Good Shepherd Seminary, Dimapur, were the moderators of DPC 2017.
A total of 123 representatives of from all the eleven districts of Nagaland participated in the meeting.
