Lotha Catholic Union holds seminar on ‘social teaching’

Dimapur, Oct. 9 (EMN): The Lotha Catholic Union (LCU) held a seminar on ‘Social teachings of Catholic’ on October 8 at Youth Centre DBHSS, Wokha, with Elias T Lotha, former president of Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) and Johnny Roungmei, former secretary general of Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) as the main speakers.

The programme commenced with an invocation by Rev. Fr. AD Jose, parish priest of Wokha, followed by welcome address by Aremo Patton, LCU literature secretary.

Speaking on the occasion, Elias T Lotha exhorted the gathering on the social teachings of Catholic Church since its inception which was laid down by St. Peter. Highlighting from the bible verses, he urged upon the congregation to love their neighbour. He also urged the members to be an agent of change in spreading the word of God in order to reach out to those who are unreached.

Besides laying stress on the principles of Catholic social teachings, he encouraged the congregation to impart the quality teachings of Catholic church. Noting that all human beings are created in God’s own image and likeness, he stated that all should serve and not to be served.

On the dignity of work and rights of workers, he urged the congregation to participate in the creative work of God and not only for individual’s survival.

Underscoring that to deprive the wages of an employed tantamount to murdering of a labourer, he urged the gathering to follow the teachings of Christ by respecting the rights and needs of others and integrating into the achievement of the common good for all without any distinction on the basis of colour, creed, caste, sex or religion and caring all God’s creation with responsibility.

Johnny Roungmei, in his address, stated that Catholic social teachings is a church doctrine directed from the teachings of Christ and a directive for action with an aim to help, purify, reason, contribute, acknowledge and attainment of justice and paving the way to leading a good life. Highlighting the teachings of St. Pope John Paul and Pope Benedict XVI, he called upon the congregation to be acquainted with Catholic social teachings in order to establish structures that need renovation.

He laid stress on common good by urging the congregation not to be selfish or self-centred but by sharing the gifts of God among the community and develop and grow not as an individual but as a community.

“As a Catholic, we must have a social vision because every family has a responsibility or obligation towards society,” he added.

The programme witnessed a song from Shanchobeni Kikon, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Nzanbemo Lapon, LCU vice president. The benediction was said by Rev. Fr. John Ntonsi Yanthan, parish In-charge Longsa.