Become messengers of peace, NMA Advisor urge Catholic youths

Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 10

The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) Advisor Rosemary Dzüvichü today urged all the members of Angami Catholic Youth Association (ACYA) to be messengers of peace to the world.

Addressing the youth on the second day of 32nd ACYA convention at Chiephobozou, Dzüvichü reiterated the message of Pope Francis saying that the youth have the power to change the world as they carry a strong voice for peace.
She reminded them “not to allow the spark of youth to be extinguished”.

Saying that the world is full of injustice, she called upon the youth to stand up for their rights and reminded them that despite injustice, there is a reason for peace and that God’s plan must be recognized.

Dwelling on the theme, ‘Challenges ahead for the Angami Catholic Youth’, she highlighted the growing unemployment crisis in Nagaland. In this regard, she challenged the younger generation to develop work ethics.

Dzüvichü also raised the issue of corruption in the State saying that corruption has become a way of life in the Naga society and is even evident in the churches.

She urged the Catholic youth to be truthful, sincere and honest in their works, and to also stand and fight against corruption.

She further urged the youth to develop a competitive spirit and at the same time educate themselves to become youth leaders, while encouraging the youth to deliberate on their role in the churches.

Dzüvichü, who is also a professor at the Nagaland University (Department of English), urged the need to preserve and protect one’s cultural identity and tradition.

She encouraged the young educated youth to write and record about the history, folk songs, and so on, in order to pass on the tradition to generations to come.

She urged the youth to broaden their mindsets as Nagas and not just as members of a particular tribe or village. 

Dzüvichü also highlighted the issue of gender imbalance in the Naga society and said that there is now a need for women to come forward and claim their rights. She also urged men to think about uplifting women in the society. Citing the lack of women in the decision-making bodies of the State, she challenged women participants to ponder upon the role of women in the society as well as the church.

Later, Khrievinuo Christina Ziephrü, MSMHC spoke on the theme ‘Wisdom opens the way’.

It was followed by another session where Fr Keduolhou George, Principal of St Joseph College Jakhama exhorted the gathering on the theme ‘Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord’.

The second day of the convention concluded with a cultural extravaganza night which saw performances ranging from folk songs to shadow play with participants from five regions-Northern ACYA, Southern ACYA, Chakhroma ACYA, Kohima Town ACYA, and Western ACYA.

Earlier on April 9 ,the 32nd ACYA convention began at NAPO Conference Hall, Chiephobozou under the theme ‘In your patient endurance, you will gain your soul'. 

Hosted by St Dominic Savio parish, the three-day convention commenced with unfurling of the ACYA flag by Rev Fr Vemedo Joseph Kezo, Spiritual Director, ACYA; followed by presentation of the newly-composed ACYA anthem.