DIMAPUR: The Zeliangrong Catholic Association of Nagaland (ZCAN) organised a one-day seminar on the theme, “We Are Catholics, But Does Our Faith Change the Way We Live?” at St. Peter’s Church, Nchangram village, under SFS Parish Tening, Peren district, Diocese of Kohima, on October 19. The seminar focused on strengthening Catholic faith and encouraging participants to translate Christian teachings into everyday conduct, family relationships and community service.
former ZCAN vice-president and former catechist of St. Xavier’s Parish, Jalukie, Ningpi Jerome, spoke on the history of the Church and the sacraments. He traced the development of the Catholic Church, highlighting the role of Apostle Peter, the papacy and Emperor Constantine’s acceptance of Christianity in 313 AD. He also referred to significant Church councils, including the Council of Trent and Vatican Councils I and II, as well as the Protestant Reformation initiated by Martin Luther in 1517.
Jerome explained the four marks of the Catholic Church-One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic-and underscored its mission of salvation and sanctification. He outlined the seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. He stressed the importance of adequate preparation for receiving the sacraments and urged Church leaders to lead by example.
Assistant priest of SFS Parish, Kohima, Rev. Fr. Peter Pehiacanglu, spoke on “Practices, Signs and Symbols in the Catholic Church.” He highlighted the importance of prayer, Bible reading, Sunday Mass, Lenten fasting, almsgiving, devotion to Mary and the saints, and service to those in need.
He also explained the significance of symbols used during Mass, including the Sign of the Cross, holy water, candles, incense, the altar, sacred vessels and vestments. Sacramentals such as crucifixes, Rosaries, candles, medals, scapulars and religious images were also discussed as reminders of faith and devotion.
Associate professor at Peren Government College and ZCAN adviser, Ch. Kangba Andrew, addressed Catholic Social Teaching, outlining its four principal pillars: human dignity, the common good, solidarity and subsidiarity.
He encouraged participants to apply these principles to contemporary social challenges by protecting ancestral land and identity, overcoming clan and village divisions, strengthening Zeliangrong unity and promoting peaceful coexistence with other Naga communities.
He also stressed the need to support vulnerable sections of society, including students, widows, migrants and daily wage earners.
Andrew called for responsible resource management, parish study circles, ethical youth leadership and a firm rejection of corruption and land-grabbing. He further encouraged practical community initiatives such as organic farming, community granaries and self-help groups to strengthen social responsibility and self-reliance.
Delivering the keynote address, Fr. Peter Pehiacanglu urged participants to ensure that faith was not confined to church services, Mass or the Rosary, but shaped their behaviour at home and in society. Referring to Matthew 7:21, he emphasised that following God’s will must be demonstrated through actions.
He encouraged respect between spouses, patient parenting, care for elders, peaceful communication and family prayer. At the community level, he called on the faithful to feed the hungry, visit the sick, forgive neighbours and comfort those in distress.
He also cautioned against gossip, dishonesty, corruption and discrimination, urging Christians to uphold truth, practise hard work and care for creation. Daily prayer, participation in Mass, confession, Scripture reading, examination of conscience, kindness and reconciliation were highlighted as essential practices for spiritual growth.
The programme witnessed the participation of 58 faithful from SFS Parish Church, Tening; St. Thomas Church, Nzau; Christ the King Church, Nkialwa; and the host church. ZCAN treasurer Sizanpi Anthony moderated the seminar, while Husinlak Simon led the opening prayer. ZCAN president Letgong Patrick delivered the welcome address.
The programme concluded with a fellowship meal, preceded by a prayer led by catechist of Christ the King Church, Salu. Catechist of St. Peter’s Church Nchangram, Rangdibo Paul, delivered the vote of thanks and closing prayer, acknowledging ZCAN and Letgong Patrick and his family for their support and sponsorship.
In his concluding remarks, Patrick thanked the speakers, host church and participants for their contributions and attendance. He urged the faithful to put the lessons learned during the seminar into practice, reinforcing the central message that Christian faith should be demonstrated through love, integrity, service and stronger community relationships.
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