EMN
Dimapur, January 24
The 9th convention of Nagaland Catholic Women Association (NCWA) held from January 22 to 24 at St. Paul’s Church, Wokha, culminated with the Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, on January 24. Women from 16 tribes from all over Nagaland participated in the event.
Rev. Fr. Anto Tharakan, parish priest, welcomed Bishop James, priests, sisters, laity, invited guests and all NCWA members. Bishop, in the introduction to the Holy Mass, applauded and congratulated Mrs. Annie Kath, president NCWA, floret, secretary and all the colleagues along with Fr. Mathew Mhabemo and Sr. Rita for arranging the beautiful 9th convention.
Basing his homily on the manifesto of Jesus at Nazareth (Lk 4:14-21), the bishop showed how Christians must live the same vision and mission of Jesus in our own times. He stressed that only by the way we translate Christ’s vision into action for those who are materially and spiritually poor, those in various types of bondages, people who are blind and oppressed, can we live the scripture today.
Referring to the second reading of the day (1 Cor 12:12-30), the bishop emphasized that though we are many and different, we form one body. Just as different organs work harmonious in the body for the wellbeing of the whole body, the bishop said we must work together harmoniously to realize the vision of Jesus.
In the midst of so much bad news such as poverty, hunger, violence, terrorism, injustice etc., the bishop questioned what good news we could proclaim to those affected. The bishop also prayed for the blessing of Holy Spirit to strengthen the members in their daily lives.
Before the conclusion of the Holy Mass, bishop prayed and blessed the new office bears of NCWA for the next term – 2016=2019 and wished them the very best in their new responsibilities. The new office bearers were Ms Vilanuo Angela as president; Kaholi Swu Lily as vice president; Florete Sekose as general secretary; Roselin Phom as joint secretary; Abino Rose as finance secretary; Emilo Martha Ezung as treasurer; Hetoli Marina as cultural secretary. Rev. Fr. Mathew Mhabemo and Rev. Sr. Rita Misalhou would continue to be the spiritual director and women coordinator respectively. The bishop also planted a tree in reminiscence of the 9th convention.
Ms Juliet Ramamurthy, president of Council of Catholic Women of India, along with her colleagues, Shelia Christina from Chinnai, Pamela Caesar, from Kochin, Evoon and Eveline D’Siva from Mumbai were the special guests of the convention. Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) executive members also took part as special guests and invitees.
Rev. Frs. Mhabemo Mathew, Spiritual Director of NCWA; Philip Magh, Principal of Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Dimapur; Rev. Sr. Margarete Sekhose, MSMHC; Rita Miasalhou, women coordinator; and Ms Juliet, president of CCWI, were the speakers. Rev. Fr. Alex, parish priest of SFS parish, Kohima town, conducted the adoration and healing session during the thanksgiving service.
Ms Teresa Sanglenshi, cultural secretary of NCWA: Cecilia, general secretary of ZCWA; Mary Neilakuonuo, former general secretary of NCWA; Rita Chaya, former president of NCWA; Celine Lea, former president of NCWA; Vilanuo Angela; Martha Emilo Ezung; Rekha Rose, general secretary of CCWA; Julia Tep, former secretary of NCWA, anchored the different programme on different days.
Members of Angami Catholic Women Association, Pochury Catholic Women Association, and Sumi Catholic Women Association presented special songs during the Holy Mass and sessions.
Women members from different tribes presented special items during the cultural fest on January 23 evening. The entrance procession and the offertory were accompanied by traditional tune and traditional attires signifying the differences in culture but one in Christ.
