Wokha, Oct. 3 (EMN): The fourth edition of Lt. Bishop Abraham memorial volleyball tournament organised by Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) kick-started on Monday at St. Paul’s Parish, Wokha, with deputy chief minister Y Patton gracing the inaugural as the special guest.
The deputy CM in his address appreciated the initiative of NCYM to pay tribute to late Bishop Abraham (1933-1997) who lived his life serving God and his faithful people.
Patton said as per records, Bishop Abraham had served the Lord in different capacities all over the country during his lifetime and carried out uncountable activities of soul-saving and strengthening the spiritual faith of the people in general and the catholic believers in particular.
“It is a good thing that Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement is keeping the momentum of this volleyball tournament so that all the good works done by Lt. Bishop Abraham during his life are remembered and kept afresh,” he said.
Lamenting that many youths are into drug abuse, alcoholism and anti social activities, Patton said NCYM’s initiative to engage the youths in sports activities will go a long way in encouraging youths to shun unhealthy activities.
He said sports events like the ongoing tournament will provide an opportunity to youths get to know each other better, develop a feeling of oneness and strengthens their spiritual faith as well.
Patton further commented on the immense contribution of Catholic churches in Nagaland towards social and spiritual transformation. He went on to say that the Catholics have established numerous institutions even in the remotest places of Nagaland and are pioneers in providing quality education and contributed much to the overall socio-economic development of the state.
Earlier, Bishop of Kohima Rev. James Thoppil unfurled the NCYM flag.
Sixty two parish unit teams comprising 32 male and 30 female teams are taking part in the championship held on the theme ‘One in faith and action.’