Rongmei Catholic Pui Dimphuam Nagaland celebrates its silver jubilee at Mhainamtsi village in Peren, marking 25 years of service and faith.
DIMAPUR — The Rongmei Catholic Pui Dimphuam Nagaland (RCPDN), or Rongmei Catholic Women Association Nagaland, celebrated its silver jubilee on Friday at St. Thomas Church premises, Mhainamtsi village, Peren district, on the theme, “She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks her words are wise and she gives instruction with kindness.”
Addressing the celebration as the special guest, Joint Chief Executive Officer of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department, Dr. Johnny Ruangmei congratulated RCPDN on completing 25 years and expressed hope that the organisation would continue to remain a pillar of the Church and the community.
Ruangmei said a jubilee is an occasion to be happy and thankful for the blessings received, regardless of circumstances.
He encouraged the gathering to bring happiness to others, strengthen their faith and uphold the values passed down by their forefathers and nurtured by RCPDN over the past 25 years.
Delivering the exhortation, Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) president Jonas Yanthan highlighted the four pillars of Catholic faith—profession of faith, sacraments, morality and prayer.
He urged the faithful to uphold their faith, live according to the Ten Commandments, love their neighbours and strengthen their prayer life by following the Lord’s Prayer.
President of the Nagaland Catholic Women Association, Ruokuoheü Roselyn Minchieo, said the silver jubilee was not merely a programme but a testimony to the sacrifices and contributions of the founders and all those who had helped build the Catholic community over the years.
She said a jubilee was more than an occasion to look back, describing it as a time for a new beginning. Referring to the biblical concept of jubilee, she said it was a time when debts were forgiven, burdens were lifted and people returned to their homes and families.
Minchieo further said Catholic faith was not merely about words and belief but called upon the faithful to live the Gospel in their daily lives.
She encouraged them to become bridges of peace within their families, communities and the Church.
During the celebration, the Jubilee souvenir and constitution of RCPDN were blessed and unveiled by Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kohima, Rev. Fr. Dr. Jacob Charalel.
It may be mentioned that the RCPDN was formed in 2001 with an initial contribution of INR 5,000. The association received formal recognition for the first time in June 2016 during the Nagaland Catholic Women Association Conference.