The Kohima Youth Association of St. Francis de Sales (SFS) Parish, Kohima Town, organised a two-day Children’s Summer Camp at St. John’s School, Merhülietsa, under the theme “Ultimate Spiritual Athlete 2026.” The camp aimed to help children understand what it means to “run the race of faith with courage, discipline and love” through faith-based learning and recreational activities.
The camp concluded on Sunday with a Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Mathew Mhabemo, Parish Priest of SFS.
In his homily, Fr. Mathew drew a connection between faith and the FIFA World Cup final scheduled for Sunday night. Asking the children, “Who are your heroes?”, he received responses such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Referring to an artwork depicting children in football jerseys gathered around Jesus, he said, “Jesus is the Hero of the sports heroes.”
He reminded the children that God had blessed each of them with talents, intellect and creativity, while encouraging them to remain obedient to their parents, teachers and elders to nurture these gifts.
The camp featured Bible stories, worship sessions, team-building activities, games, drawing, Zumba, choir and skit competitions, dance battles, a talent show and prize distribution. It concluded with participants encouraged to live lives rooted in faith, friendship and discipline.