Shillong, January 25: The 9th Annual Meet of the Catholic Men’s Associations under the Shillong Archdiocese, Zone-1, was held successfully over two days at Visitation Church, Mawprem, drawing thousands of Catholic men from various parishes for prayer, reflection, and fellowship.
Zone-1 comprises six parishes—Mawkhar, Mawiong, Mawlai, Matawar, Mawprem, and Pynthorumkhrah—and witnessed active participation from men of all the parishes. The convention focused on the theme “Love one another with brotherly affection” (Romans 12:10).
Throughout the two-day programme, discussions and reflections highlighted the vital role of men, particularly fathers, as heads of families. Emphasis was placed on their responsibility to nurture love, unity, and care within their homes and to serve as positive role models in society, the Church, and the wider community.
On the concluding day, Holy Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Jameris Shylla, Chancellor of the Shillong Archdiocese, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Edwin Kahit, Parish Priest of Mawprem Parish and Spiritual Director of the Catholic Men’s Associations, Shillong Archdiocese Zone-1, along with Rev. Fr. Leo Iawbor, Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Parish, Mawkhar.
In his homily, Fr. Jameris Shylla praised God for blessing men as members of His family and urged them to live lives rooted in holiness, unity, and love. He exhorted the participants to avoid sin and division and to become responsible and faithful men both within their families and in public life.
Highlighting the crucial role of fathers, Fr. Shylla stressed that men must lead not merely through words but by personal example. He said fathers should be the first teachers of faith to their children, guiding them in prayer, worship, and righteous living.
Calling on the men to live according to the theme of the convention, he encouraged them to extend brotherly love beyond their homes to the Church, the community, and society at large. He added that when men lead lives rooted in holiness and praise of God, families grow stronger, society becomes more harmonious, and the Church flourishes.
The Catholic Men’s Associations of Zone-1, led by President Mr. Stenis Nongkynrih and General Secretary Mr. Onestar Kharbani, said the convention significantly strengthened the faith life of the men and inspired them to live in love, unity, and fraternity in Christ.
The convention concluded with the lowering of the Zone flag, the singing of the Association’s anthem in honour of St. Joseph, and the formal announcement that the 10th Annual Men’s Convention will be hosted by Mawiong Parish in 2027, made by Chancellor Rev. Fr. Jameris Shylla.
