Dimapur, Jan. 19 (EMN): Chakhesang Catholic Association (CCA) held its lay leaders conclave on January 19 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Thenyizumi village under Phek district on the theme “Let the wise listen and add to their learning and let the discerning get guidance” (Prov.1:5).
An update from the association stated that the Conclave was attended by Rev. Charles Phom as the main celebrant and Fr. Rozu Anthony Dukru and Rev Fr. Vemedo Joseph Kezo as the conclave speakers.
The conclave was also greeted by Mhaseto Nakro, while its president Neingulie Michael Krome welcomed all the delegates.
It stated that the first conclave speaker Fr. Rozu Anthony Dukru, parish priest of St. Joseph Parish, Chümoukedima, spoke on “Let the wise listen and add to their learning and let the discerning get guidance” (Prov.1:5). In his presentations, he spoke on the need for a good Christian leader today in order to lead, speak, guide, teach and advise others. Emphasising on how everybody is looking for a leader today, he cited a biblical reference from the book of 1st Samuel on how God chose Saul and David to be the leader of their people.
Fr. Antony Rozu, while deliberating on the relevance of church finance, stated that money is not everything but a medium to support each other, work together as one community. He encouraged the delegates on how to be a responsible husband and wife. He maintained that one should be a good listener, appreciate each other, be tolerant to one another and most importantly bring God to home/ family.
In the second session, Rev. Fr. Vemedo Joseph Kezo spoke on “The church and the laity.” Stating that Christ has empowered every faithful to be a missionary in their own church/ community/tribe, he challenged the delegates to grow or move closer in living Catholic faith.
He also urged the congregation to reflect on spiritual, educational, financial and moral aspects to overcome challenges confronting the Catholic church. He also called upon the priests and nuns to guide and strengthen its members. While pointing out that the beauty of prayer life has lost its essence amongst the Catholic faithful, he reminded that without God/ prayer life, they become less effective.
He further pointed out that Catholic faith among its members in Chakhesang region has not matured enough despite 50 years of its existence.
Meanwhile, the association has elected its new office bearers for the tenure 2022-24 with Nuvesayi Edward Hoshi as president, Mhetshelo Maxim T Kapfo as vice president, Veluhu Anthony Vero as general secretary, Keredu Thomas Resüh as assistant general secretary, Wezotsonyi Thopi as finance secretary, Abino Rose Zholia as accountant, Chasü Peter Dukru as social and cultural secretary, Mhaseyi Lohe as press secretary, Martha Dukru as spokesperson, Neingulie Michael Krome as representative to CAN.
It informed that a total of 221 lay leaders from 23 units covering five parishes in Phek district attended the conclave.