Kohima: The Zeliangrong Catholic Association of Nagaland hosted a seminar on October 19 at St Peter’s Church in Nchangram village. Fifty-eight faithful attended the event to analyze if their actions match their beliefs. Participants traveled from SFS Parish in Tening, St Thomas Church in Nzau, Christ the King Church in Nkialwa, and the host church.
ZCAN Treasurer Sizanpi Anthony moderated the sessions. Husinlak Simon, the Assistant Catechist of St Thomas Church, led the opening prayer. Jerome Ningpi, former ZCAN Vice President, opened by detailing church history and the seven sacraments. He warned leaders that treating sacraments as routine weakens spiritual growth. He urged members to prioritize reverence over festivity.
Rev. Fr Peter Pehiacanglu, Assistant Priest of SFS Parish in Kohima, analyzed church symbols. He explained how holy water, candles, incense, and the crucifix anchor a believer’s connection to Christ. Ch. Kangba Andrew, a Peren Government College professor and ZCAN advisor, taught the group about Catholic social doctrine. He pointed to the 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum to highlight principles like human dignity, the common good, and the necessity of work.
Fr Pehiacanglu delivered the keynote address. He pushed the attendees to stop compartmentalizing their religion. He said, "A lamp is not useful if it gives no light. Salt is not useful if it loses its taste. In the same way, our Catholic faith must be seen in the way we behave at home, in the village, in the market, and in the field."
The priest demanded more than just Sunday attendance. He called for an end to gossip and corruption. He told participants to show compassion, forgive neighbors, and care for the elderly. Catechists Salu and Rangdibo Paul handled closing duties. ZCAN President Letgong Patrick provided the final remarks after his family sponsored the day.
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