Aalo, 12 Feb: A five-day ‘workshop-cum-training on institution of priesthood’, being organized by the Marjum Welfare Society, got underway here in West Siang district on 11 February.
Aalo East MLA Kento Jini, who inaugurated the workshop, hailed it as “an important occasion of the society as the institution of priesthood has been associated with the very existence of the society and played a pivotal role to drive away evil spirits and various ailments from time immemorial in the absence of medical science.”
He said that “the priests should cast their divine power and play an important role in the society, and love, compassion and willingness to attend all welfare poojas and ailing people should be guiding principle.”
The MLA urged the NGOs’ members and retired officers of the district who attended the meeting to “continue to share their experiences and guidance in shaping the institution of priesthood.”
“The institution of priesthood is the symbol of our assertion, regeneration and cultural identity through the ages, and they are held in high esteem in our society till today,” he said.
Former minister Doi Ado dwelt on the role of priests in the society, and said that the workshop “is targeted to keep intact the sanctity of the institution of priesthood through such programme from time to time.”
Resource persons and citizens of the district also took part in the deliberations. (DIPRO)
