7th Diocesan Women's Convention Held in the Diocese of Miao in Arunachal Pradesh

Miao, Arunachal Pradesh, May 15, 2025: The Women’s Wing of the Diocese of Miao organised the 7th Diocesan Women Convention on 12 and 13 May at the Light of the World School Hall in Miao. One of the key aims of the event was to inaugurate the diocese’s preparations for the Great Jubilee 2033. More than 550 women from Eastern Arunachal Pradesh participated in the event, which marked the beginning of an 8-year-long pastoral and spiritual journey commemorating the 2000th anniversary of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the Birth of the Church.

The inauguration ceremony of the event on 12th May commenced with a solemn Holy Mass, followed by the hoisting of parish-wise flags. Presiding over the inauguration, Bishop George Pallipparambil SDB, Bishop of Miao Diocese, welcomed all the women delegates with a strong message. “As we mark 20 years of the Miao Diocese, this is the opportune moment to prepare ourselves for the Great Jubilee 2033 — a bi-millennial celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord, His Mandate to the world, and the Pentecost, the birthday of the Church,” he said.

Miss Chathong Lowang, Zilla Parishad Chairperson of Tirap District and Chief Guest of the event, called on women to be proactive agents of social transformation. “Women have always shaped the moral fabric of society. Your faith and actions can lead meaningful change,” she said.

A major feature of the convention was the group discussions in which participants, divided into 15 sub-groups, deliberated on a carefully prepared questionnaire addressing pressing social and moral issues such as drug addiction, mobile addiction, and the role of faith in society. Each group presented detailed reports with practical suggestions for community action.

Among the pressing concerns raised was the growing rate of drug and tobacco use among schoolchildren. Mrs. Nathom Lowang from Tirap suggested stricter local regulations to prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors. Mrs. Ngapnyai Jamikham from Longding highlighted the importance of parental oversight in children's mobile phone usage, recommending time limits and content monitoring.

Mrs. Monica Lowang, a session moderator, stressed the urgency of catechetical education for youth, especially concerning marriage and relationships. Other proposals included promoting religious vocations, organising biannual parish retreats, increasing pastoral visits, and addressing challenges like the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act of 1978 (AFRA) through a united diocesan response.

In his concluding remarks, Bishop George lauded the depth and seriousness of the deliberations. “If these discussions lead to concrete actions, the Jubilee of 2033 will indeed become a moment of true spiritual renewal,” he said.

The convention concluded on a joyful note on May 13 with a vibrant cultural evening and a prize distribution ceremony for the Skit Competition, celebrating the creativity and dedication of the women of the diocese. United in faith and mission, the women of Miao have taken a decisive step forward in the run-up to the Great Jubilee 2033

By Fr. Felix Anthony

Office of Social Communication

Diocese of Miao,

Arunachal Pradesh