- 16 May, 2025
Kohima, 16 May 2025 — Over 30 diocesan priests from Guwahati, Jowai, Nongstoin, and Kohima dioceses gathered at the Mount Tabor Retreat Centre, Kohima, from 13–16 May for a four-day ongoing formation. The event, facilitated by Frs. Charles Leon, Jaison Vadassery, and Cyril Victor of the CCBI, was more than a training—it was a deep spiritual journey that addressed not only pastoral strategies but also personal renewal. Most Rev. James Thoppil, the Bishop of Kohima, Nagaland, hosted the formation programme for the clergy and holds it as one of the priorities of his episcopal ministry.
A Journey of Reflection and Renewal
The sessions opened with a reflective “Emmaus Walk” and a powerful call to view each priest as a mission in himself. Through talks, workshops, and spiritual conversations, the participants courageously shared the realities of their priesthood. Common struggles such as spiritual dryness, loneliness, media overuse, and pastoral fatigue were not hidden but embraced as starting points for transformation. “We are called to shine,” one participant shared, echoing the key message from the compiled reflections titled “Called to Shine: Living Our Priesthood with Joy and Purpose.”
Pastoral Challenges and Concrete Proposals
Throughout the programme, several key challenges were surfaced from real pastoral contexts. Language barriers, poor infrastructure, heavy workloads, and weak catechesis were among the pressing concerns. But these were met with actionable proposals: forming parish teams, empowering lay leaders and youth, and promoting creative catechesis. In response to pastoral apathy, priests committed to becoming joyful witnesses and rekindling enthusiasm in their preaching and sacramental life.
Fostering the Inner Life of the Priest
Equally, the formation emphasised the inner life of the priest. Addressing personal issues like stress, health neglect, and emotional fatigue, facilitators urged priests to build healthy routines—balancing prayer, physical wellness, and community support. Fr. Jaison encouraged regular fraternity meetings, saying, “Let our bonds strengthen our mission.” Participants resolved to deepen their spiritual practices through daily Adoration, Scripture reading, and intentional rest.
Embracing Digital Evangelisation
Digital evangelisation was another major focus. Fr. Cyril Victor’s sessions challenged the clergy to go beyond conventional methods and embrace modern tools with responsibility. Priests explored how to use media for mission, not distraction. “Be a creative missionary in the digital world,” he insisted, stressing both engagement and discernment. Action plans included media training, content creation, and setting healthy digital boundaries.
Strengthening Fraternal Relationships
Participants also acknowledged the need to foster healthier priestly relationships. Cases of isolation, miscommunication, and even clericalism were named honestly. The solution? Rebuilding spiritual brotherhood through shared prayer, open dialogue, and collaboration in leadership. The action plan proposed periodic clergy retreats focused not only on formation but on healing and reconciliation among brother priests.
Mission Action Plan: A Synodal Approach
The final day concluded with the development of a common Mission Action Plan. Rooted in synodal principles, the plan prioritises ongoing formation, pastoral collaboration, digital outreach, and grassroots catechesis. A dedicated evaluation session allowed each participant to contribute feedback, ensuring collective ownership of the process. “This wasn’t just a programme—it was a Pentecost experience,” noted one priest during the closing remarks.
Renewed for Mission
As the clergy returned to their respective dioceses, they carried with them more than notes and strategies. They carried renewed joy, fraternal encouragement, and a clear conviction: to say “yes” daily to their priesthood with boldness and humility. Inspired by Christ and supported by one another, they left Kohima not just better informed—but more deeply transformed for mission.
By Fr. Alex TEP, Kohima
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