Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, JANUARY 9
The Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) silver jubilee, coinciding with the 7th Nagaland Catholic Youth Convention got underway Friday at St. Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Kohima.
Over 1000 delegates from across Nagaland and several others from the neighboring states are participating in the programme.
On Friday morning, Salesian College Dimapur Rector & first Director NCYM, Rev. Fr. Tom Karthik, SDB was the main celebrant of the inaugural mass while NCYM & Diocesan Youth Director & Chancellor Diocese of Kohima, Rev. Fr. Dr. Sojan Xavier was the resource person at the inaugural session.Speaking on the theme ‘Social Mission of the Young People’, Rev. Fr. Dr. Xavier emphasized that the Catholic faith is profoundly social and a call to work for those who are in need. “Our faith is not individual, we need to grow in community and demonstrate our faith in our society,” he said. Talking about the different aspects of the catholic social teachings, he underscored that it is important to understand that these teachings “tells us who we are and what our responsibility towards the society”.
The reverend also asserted that everything a person does, his/her aim should be to do good for others in reflection that all are created in the image and likeness of God. Towards this, he said, “We have a responsibility towards God and to our neighbours.” He went on to explain to the youth that social teachings of the church has two dimensions- Charity and Justice- where one should have a constant and firm will to give what is due to God and fellow men. These two aspects oblige all men and women to serve the common good, he stated.
Earlier, NCYM president, Teisovi Gerard Meyase hoisted the NCYM flag while the entrance procession for the inaugural mass was led by the Christ King Parish Youth president who also handed over the ‘Jubilee Cross’ to NCYM youth director, Rev. Fr. Dr. Sojan Xavier. The ‘Jubilee Cross‘ which started its journey on April 27 last year from Mt. Tabor Retreat House, Kohima, went to more than 200 parishes, centres and villages all over Nagaland to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of NCYM.
The Jubilee Candle commemorating the 25 years of NCYM was lighted by the first president of NCYM, N. Nicholas Khatsü.
Main highlights of the day included release of jubilee souvenir magazine by the Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, who is also the chief patron of NCYM; inauguration of a photo gallery showcasing NCYM’s 25 years journey by Rev. Fr. Tom Karthik SDB; group discussion regarding the NCYM’s 10 years plan; and a cultural programme where different tribes showcased their traditional dances and songs.
The three-day celebration will culminate on January 11 wherein, a jubilee mass will be held on the last day followed by a felicitation programme which will be graced by the minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Economics and Statistics, Manipur, Francis Ngajokpa as the chief guest.
