Believers called to transform society through spiritual discipline

SECHÜ-ZUBZA — Chairman of Zynorique Initiatives Society, Richard Belho, made a fervent called for societal transformation, emphasising the need to shift from a materialistic mindset to one rooted in spiritual discipline. He also highlighted the challenges of corruption, complacency and disparities and urged for redefinition of values and focus on relationships, environmental care and collaborative economic growth.

He was addressing the youth in one of the seasons during the second day of the golden jubilee celebrations and 33rd triennial convention of the Angami Catholic Youth Association (ACYA) at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School in Sechü-Zubza on Saturday.

Noting the prevailing corruption issue in Nagaland, Belho attributed to diminishing work culture among the youth. He also highlighted the complacency nature of Nagas, which hinder from realising their full potential. Besides, he stressed the need for strong spiritual discipline to navigate employment doors without succumbing to vices.

Belho acknowledged the common aspirations for government jobs in Nagaland due to perceived security. However, he observed that many in the public sector are discontent and unable to contribute meaningfully to society despite the stability of their salaries.

He expressed that the pursuit of wealth as the ultimate goal reflects a mindset rooted in poverty, asserting that true success goes beyond mere financial accumulation. Drawing examples from other countries, he illustrated how this perspective is not universally held.

According to him, wealth is a mindset with simplicity as a key factor determining richness.

“We must redefine our societal values,” he said.

Highlighting the challenges of contemporary times, he stressed the crucial role of the church in navigating those difficulties. In this context, he called upon the church to actively engage the youth through programmes like the ACYA golden jubilee by featuring diverse speakers. He reminded the youth not to harbour inferiority complex by citing examples of exclusive Catholic churches in many places around the world.

Encouraging the use of the Rosary prayer during life’s challenges, he urged the youth to play significant roles by setting positive examples. He also encouraged them to believe in prayers and cautioned against the dangers of succumbing to temptations.

Addressing the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), he drew parallels with mobile phones and cautioned against becoming dependent on the gadgets akin to drug addiction.

While delving into the critical issue of climate change, he stressed the responsibility of being good stewards of the land by advocating environmental care beyond commercial interests. He further urged to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in alignment with Christian values.

A holy mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Joseph Nellisseril, parish priest of St. Maria Goretti Church, Sechü-Zubza.

The second session of the day was graced by associate professor at Kohima College, Dr. Kekhrieseno Christina, as the session guest.

Basing her message from scripture ‘Let us hold true to what we have attained,’ she pointed out that there are five important teachings of the Catholic church- faith, liturgy, sacrament, living Christian life and prayer.

She encouraged the youth to be good athletes of the Catholic church and to live the faith with pride and courage.

It was followed with cultural session, which was participated by five ranges namely Chakro ACYA, Kohima town ACYA, Northern ACYA, Southern ACYA and Western ACYA.

Addressing the gathering during the cultural session, president of Angami Catholic Union (ACU), L Kenneth Punyü, challenged the young people to face their fears head-on and find solace in the timeless wisdom of the Catholic Church.

President of Angami Catholic Women Association (ACWA), Visazhünuo Carmila, urged the need to preserve culture and tradition. She reminded that true cultural preservation lies in embodying the noble qualities of their ancestors.

She added that the Catholic Church teaches the need to love one’s culture and tradition. She further extended invitation to attend the upcoming ACWA golden jubilee celebrations to be held at Christ the King Church in Kohima village.

In the group song competition, KTACYA, Chakhro CYA and WACYA secured the first, second and third positions respectively.

In the group song competition with the traditional one-stringed instrument (tati), WACYA, NACYA and SACYA secured the first, second and third positions respectively.

In the ululating competition, Kevilekho Keith from KTACYA secured the first position, while Vitseituo Vincent of NACYA and Kelengol Kevin of SACYA secured the second and third positions respectively.

Chakhro ACYA, Southern ACYA and Western ACYA presented songs.

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