NCWA ORGANIZES WOMEN EMPOWERMENT SEMINAR
The Nagaland Catholic Women’s Association (NCWA) under the leadership of V. Angela, NCWA president, Florette Sekhose, NCWA Gen. Sec. (both parishioners of Christ King Parish, Kohima) and other office- bearers organized a seminar on Women Empowerment at Mount Tabor Retreat House, Kohima, from 25 through 27 June 2016. Speaking on the topic “Empowerment of Women for Peace and Development” Dr. Rose Mary Dzüvichü emphasized that women should recognize and fight for their rights. Women play a key role in peace building politically, socially and economically, she added. Dwelling on the theme “The importance of Confession and the power of absolution” Fr. Vimedo said that sin can be forgiven by priests in the name of God. According to him women are a priority and key to human family and the Kingdom of God. Rita Chaya deliberated on the CBCI (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India) Gender Policy for empowerment of Catholic women highlighting the importance of gender equality and giving prominent roles to women in the
Church. Addressing the assembly on women’s health Sr. Rita Miasalhou said, “Healthy women give birth to healthy children. Since our health is in our hands we should, as far as possible, eat organic food and be very careful when it comes to medication without proper prescription. Fr. Alex Vizo presented a paper on the “Mystery of the Eucharist and the Faith of the Catholics”. During the seminar the NCWA came up with concrete plans for 2016: (1) To organize Retreat/Seminar at Parish-level for women/ men and youth, (2) To recommend to the Diocese of Kohima to form a committee on gender policy, and (3) To create awareness for clean elections. Apart from the above mentioned resource persons, Fr. L. John spoke on the significance of Eucharistic Adoration. He said there are three types of prayers: vocal prayer, meditation and contemplation. The Thanksgiving Eucharist on the concluding day was celebrated by Fr. Solomon Vizo and Fr. Peter Salew sdb. - Jonas Kerketta sdb
12 / Dimapur Links: July - August 2016
