Editorial

A Spiritual Carnival at Jakhama

Opinion | Editorial | John S. Shilshi | 18-Jan-2023

Between 13^th to 16^th of January 2023, the Angami village of Jakhama in Nagaland - a village said to have been established by a brave warrior Viken-e - was bustling with a colourful congregation of people. They were not the usual adventurous campers, who normally transit through Jakhama village on the way to one of the most enchanting destinations in the region – the Dzuku valley, but members of the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), celebrating their 39^th year Convention. The mega event was held at the sprawling St. Joseph’s College Campus, converting the Bishop Abraham Memorial Indoor Stadium into the Sanctum Sanctorum, with an engaging and catchy Theme: “Credible Witnesses of Christ”. Even though the imposing Jafu Mountain that overlooks the entire Jakhama village breathes down a chill that cuts through to the bones, the inclement weather hardly deterred the CAN enthusiasts from congregating in thousands.

As one rolled along with the meticulously chalked out programme; the dominance of spiritual-related events over the others was quite easily noticeable. From a moving adoration ceremony on the first day, to the Eucharistic celebrations with soulful singing, and then culminating to the Eucharistic procession were manifestations. Topics discussed during various sessions were also ‘pro-ecclesia’ - issues relating to faith, and Catholic Social Teachings. Besides the aesthetically-designed and decorated stage, twin giant-sized LED monitors that displays hymns as well as real time live-streaming of the events not only provided a new outlook, but also ensured better participation. Most importantly, selective picking of participants - limiting numbers as per the size of the Parish - ensured quality participation, as it restricted merry makers thronging the event, a common practice amongst tribal societies.  

CAN was also careful in their selection of Resource persons. Speakers on different topics were not simply hurled upon the clergy, whom the Laity was already familiar with. They brought in Resource persons from as far as Malaysia and Goa, and also picked Catholic Bureaucrats from the government of Nagaland. This not only spared the clergy from being over-burdened, but raised participant-curiosity to a great deal. Therefore, even when sessions went on one after the other, the audience participation and attention never dwindled. The second day of the convention saw three regular sessions with talks delivered on the Theme “Credible Witnesses of Christ”, Community & Common good and Participation based on the Catholic Social Teaching, followed by an exhortation on “Faith”. Though these were patience-testing listening rounds, the interested audience continued to be in rapt attention.

Outside the indoor stadium, the meticulousness and the military precision with which logistics was managed was no small measure either. The reception personnel, control room staff, catering managers, the co-coordinating team; all put in their best and the arrangements and execution were flawless. They had collectively ensured that both participants and guests had a comfortable stay, properly earmarked eating areas, and running hot water for hand washing in view of the constantly dipping temperatures. In other words, the organizers addressed all areas with much sensitivity. Also despite the huge turnout, the organizers never struggled to usher in participants into the hall since disciplined and well-behaved participants suitably reciprocated. The most admirable part of the event though was the absence of inebriated elements.  In other words, people collectively upheld the sanctity of the occasion.

Visible Clergy-Lay synergy in ensuring the smooth conduct of the programme was another praise-worthy aspect of the event. Bishop James Thoppil, sitting through the entire programme too, was admirable. Despite catching a few winks in between sessions, he remained abreast with every detail, which was evident through his Homily on 15^th January. One wished at least top two functionaries of other state Catholic organizations/unions each were invited so that they too try and emulate some of the positives of this mega event.  But for sure, the Catholic Association of Nagaland’s 39-year convention at Jakhama truly was an epoch-making spiritual carnival.

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