Miao, 15 May 2025: The Women’s Wing of the Diocese of
Miao marked a significant milestone in the journey towards the Great Jubilee
2033 by organising the 7th Diocesan Women Convention on 12 and 13 May at the
Light of the World School Hall in Miao.
The convention served as a launchpad for the nearly decade-long
spiritual and pastoral journey leading up to the 2000th anniversary of Jesus
Christ’s Resurrection and the Birth of the Church.
The two-day gathering brought together over 550 women
delegates from across the eight districts of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh. The
event commenced with a solemn Holy Mass, followed by the hoisting of
parish-wise flags, symbolising unity and shared mission among the various
parishes of the diocese.
Presiding over the inauguration, Bishop George
Pallipparambil SDB, Bishop of Miao Diocese, welcomed all the women delegates
with a strong message of faith and purpose. “As we mark 20 years of the Miao
Diocese, this is the opportune moment to prepare ourselves for the Great
Jubilee 2033 — a Bimillennial celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord, His
Mandate to the world, and the Pentecost, the birthday of the Church,” he said.
He encouraged the participants to spend the two days in deep
reflection on their faith, the values they uphold, and the challenges that lie
ahead in a rapidly changing society.
Miss Chathong Lowang, Zilla Parishad Chairperson of Tirap
District and the Chief Guest of the inaugural function, urged the women to
become agents of transformation in society. “Women have always played a pivotal
role in shaping society. Your voice, your action, and your faith can be a great
force for positive change,” she said.
A key highlight of the convention was the group discussions.
The delegates were divided into 15 sub-groups to deliberate on a carefully
prepared questionnaire addressing pressing social and moral issues such as drug
addiction, early marriage, education, unemployment, mobile addiction, and the
role of faith in society. Each group presented detailed reports with practical
suggestions for community action.
From Tirap district, Mrs. Nathom Lowang raised concerns
about the alarming rate of tobacco and drug addiction among school-going
children. She proposed that all local shopkeepers be instructed not to sell
tobacco products to minors — and even to adults — as a collective step toward a
healthier society.
Mrs. Ngapnyai Jamikham, a group leader from Longding
district, emphasised the need for parental vigilance regarding children's
mobile phone use. “Setting time limits and monitoring content can save our
children from digital pitfalls,” she stated.
Mrs. Monica Lowang, who moderated one of the sessions,
highlighted the necessity of educating the youth on the Church’s teachings
regarding marriage and relationships, calling for catechetical interventions in
this area.
Other key points that emerged from the discussions included
the importance of promoting religious vocations among children, organising at
least two spiritual retreats annually in every parish, encouraging regular
pastoral visits by priest and women religious, and forming a united front to
address issues like AFRA.
Concluding the convention, Bishop George expressed joy over
the maturity and seriousness with which each issue was addressed. “If we act on
what we have discussed and decided here, the Great Jubilee 2033 will not just
be a celebration, but a true spiritual renewal,” he said.
The convention came to a joyful close with a colourful
cultural evening and prize distribution for the Skit Competition, showcasing
both the creativity and commitment of the women of Miao Diocese. With the
spirit of faith, hope, and action, the women have truly set the ball rolling
for a meaningful and grace-filled journey towards the Great Jubilee 2033.