Vatican envoy in Nagaland urges Catholics to live a Christian life
Kohima: Vatican envoy Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio for India and Nepal, who are on a four-day visit to Nagaland on Sunday, urged church loyalists to enjoy the Christian profession and witness the Christian faith.
During a prestigious event at the Bishops’ House Hall in Kohima, the Vatican envoy acknowledged the Catholic community in Nagaland and praised Kohima’s diocese for providing partial and full scholarships to poor children.
“The journey of the gospel is a challenge, and whatever step we take, we need the grace of God. As faithful, you can live your Christian life happily, bearing witness to your faith in daily life. Is called for, “he told the faithful.
He also advised Catholic leaders to use their leadership and loyalty in the community as a key weapon in renewing the land.
The Catholic community is the second largest Christian religion in Nagaland, said Johnny Ruangmei, president of the Catholic Association of Nagaland. He assured that the faithful of the church are trying to live according to the Catholic values and teachings.
Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev., said that in the 70 years since the state had no Catholics, their number in all Naga tribes had grown to about 62,000. He said that at present there are 49 diocesan priests and 11 religious priests with 200 religious sisters belonging to different tribes of Nagaland.
“This is the common man who has shouldered the responsibility of spreading the faith and he is continuing with great zeal and enthusiasm,” he said. Despite the small number, he said the church has a huge impact through educational institutions, medical institutions and social inclusion.
He noted some of the challenges facing the church, such as lack of communication and transportation, maintaining tribal and evangelical values in the face of the onslaught of materialistic and flattering pursuits in life, and giving priority to proclamation and catechism. Etc.
The vatican envoy on Sunday also congratulated current champion and two-time Naga Wrestling Champion Venuzo Timothy Dawhuo.
Prior to the congratulatory program, the Vatican Ambassador visited the Kohima Military Cemetery, the Naga Heritage Village of Kisama , and St. Joseph’s College (independent) Jakhama College.
Earlier in the day, speaking to students at St. Joseph’s College (autonomous) Jakhama, the Archbishop urged young students to contribute to the formation of character, empathy, responsibility, accountability, and empowerment. College praised. .
Expressing pleasure at visiting the first college established by the Diocese of Kohima, he said, “It is in education, that it promises a more humane future and a more harmonious society.” At the moment, he said, all Catholic schools and colleges have a challenging task in carrying out the church’s apostolic mission, which is to strive not only to excel in teaching and learning, but also to lead students in the Spirit of Christ. Enlighten
He said that your goal of providing quality education especially to the backward sections of the society is really great.
The envoy encouraged the professors and faculty of the college to keep a close eye on the overall development offered to the students by providing them with a balance of academic, emotional, social, professional, moral and spiritual aspects. Don’t be discouraged. Difficulties that present educational challenges.
“Education is not a profession but an attitude, a way of life. To get an education we need to go beyond ourselves and join the youth, support them in their developmental stages and help them Let’s stand side by side, ”he said.