India: Fifth Catholic Association of Nagaland Convention Strengthens Faith and Unity

The Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) held its fifth convention from January 9 to 12, 2026, at St. Xavier Parish, Jalukie. Hosted by the Zeliangrong Catholic Association of Nagaland (ZCAN), the four-day gathering carried the theme “Pilgrims of Faith, Hope, and Love.”

The convention was graced by Bishop Eugene Joseph of Varanasi, chairman of the Commission for Laity of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), alongside Bishop James Thoppil of Kohima, who presided over key liturgical celebrations. Over 2000 participants—including clergy, religious, and lay delegates from across the state—attended the event. Highlights included Eucharistic celebrations, thematic sessions, faith-sharing, and cultural programs.

The convention began with a solemn tribute to former CAN executives who passed away during the 2023–2026 tenure, offering a reflective and prayerful moment. A minute of silence was observed, commending the departed souls to God’s mercy.

Presiding over the Mass on day two, Bishop Eugene Joseph shared the mission realities of his diocese, a region with nearly 99.99% Hindu population and a Catholic community of about 22,000 faithful. Expressing hope and solidarity, he looked forward to bringing leaders from his diocese to a future CAN convention to experience the vibrant faith of the Church in Nagaland.

Congratulating CAN and Bishop James Thoppil for their sustained efforts, Bishop Eugene Joseph prayed that the Association would continue to model committed lay leadership. He described CAN as “a God-blessed body of faith”, making the mysteries of the Church—such as the Incarnation and the Sacraments—tangible and accessible. Through its witness and service, he noted, CAN makes Christ visible and His love experienced, especially by those in need. “An occasion like this shows that the reality of CAN is the foundation of communion in the Church, which must be synodal. Such communion unites all as one body, with Christ as the Head,” he said.

The second day featured enriching sessions by several speakers:

• Fr. Kokto Kurian, Diocesan Youth Director, on “A Journey Through the History of the Catholic Church”

• Fr. Mhabemo Mathew, Parish Priest of St. Francis de Sales Church, Kohima, on “Scripture and the Foundations of Catholic Practices”

• Sr. Margaret Sekhose, MSMHC, Provincial Superior of the Sacred Heart Province, Tinsukia, on “The Rosary: Encountering Christ Through Mary”

These sessions offered participants deeper insights into the faith, its foundations, and its lived expression.

The convention formally concluded on January 12 with a Mass and closing ceremony. Teisovi Gerard Meyase, Secretary-General of CAN, described it as a grace-filled and historic gathering that, for the first time beyond urban centers, reached rural faithful, deepened unity, renewed commitment to the Church’s mission, and offered a meaningful glimpse into the life of the Church in mainland India.

Currently, the Catholic population in Nagaland stands at 61,905 across 36 parishes and 21 mission centers, encompassing 17 major tribes, all with active Catholic communities. The Angami and Lotha communities constitute the largest Catholic populations. The diocesan workforce includes 109 diocesan priests, 100 religious priests, 3 religious brothers, and 493 women religious from 22 congregations, actively involved in evangelization, catechesis, education, and social welfare.

Today, over 60 local priests and more than 300 nuns from various tribes continue the mission with dedication, striving to carry forward the legacy of the first missionaries who brought the Gospel to this part of the world.