The three-day Silver Jubilee celebration of the Catholic Women Association (CWA), Mon, held from December 12 to 14, culminated on Sunday at the Don Bosco Centre, Mon, marking 25 years of committed service, faith witness, and community building. The Jubilee was celebrated in conjunction with the Konyak Catholic Convention, under the theme “To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:19).
The Jubilee celebration was solemnly inaugurated with the blessing of the Jubilee Monolith by Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima. Rev Fr Francis TJ, Centre In-charge, extended a warm welcome to all the clergy, religious, invited guests, and faithful who gathered for the historic occasion.
The Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist, presided over by Bishop James Thoppil, was the spiritual highlight of the concluding day. In his introduction and homily, the Bishop described the Jubilee as a sacred moment to celebrate, reflect, repent, renew, and rededicate oneself to the mission of proclaiming the Lord’s favour, drawing inspiration from the biblical tradition of Jubilee.
Reflecting on the readings from Isaiah (35:1–6,10), James (5:7–10), and Matthew (11:2–11), Bishop Thoppil highlighted that a Jubilee is a time of hope, healing, and joyful witness. Quoting the prophet Isaiah, he likened the journey of the Catholic Women Association to a desert that has blossomed, becoming a source of comfort and hope to many.
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He commended the Catholic women of Mon for being the hands and feet of Christ, especially in a region where the Catholic presence is minimal. Through prayer, active participation in the liturgy, commitment to family apostolate, and charitable works, the Association has strengthened parish life and given a joyful witness to Christian womanhood.
Emphasizing that faith must be lived and not merely professed, the Bishop reminded the faithful that Christian values must permeate daily life and decisions. Citing St. James, he stressed that “faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:17), urging the women to build their lives on the strong foundation of Christ and His teachings. He encouraged them to remain beacons of hope, drawing strength from the Word of God and the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A felicitation programme followed the Eucharistic celebration, with Pakon Phom, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mon, gracing the occasion as the Special Guest.
Rev Fr Arokiasamy, SDB, one of the pioneers of the Don Bosco Centre, expressed his deep joy at witnessing the remarkable growth of the Catholic community in Mon—from a small group of three families to a vibrant community of over forty families today. Recalling the early missionary efforts, he paid tribute to Fr Chacko of the Imphal Diocese and other pioneers whose dedication helped nurture the young Church in the region.
Ruokuoheü Roselyn, President of the Nagaland Catholic Women Association (NCWA), conveyed her greetings on behalf of the state association. She exhorted the women to ensure that every action reflects Christ, reminding them that belonging to the Church founded by Jesus Christ is both a privilege and a responsibility. She encouraged Catholic women to live out Gospel values authentically, becoming credible witnesses in society.
The three-day Jubilee celebration featured enriching faith-formation sessions animated by distinguished resource persons. Rev Fr Kokto Kurian, Director of the Nagaland Catholic Youth Association (NCYA), led sessions on “Catholic Faith” and “Participation: Catholic Social Teachings.” Rev Fr Solomon Kevishe, Parish Priest of Holy Redeemer Church, Tobu, spoke on “The Role of the Laity in the Catholic Church.”
The Jubilee was further enlivened by cultural performances, devotional songs, and community interactions, reflecting the rich heritage and vibrant faith of the local community.
