Archdiocese of Imphal Hosts Jubilee Programme for the Sick and Healthcare Workers

Imphal, Manipur, April 8, 2025 — The Archdiocese of Imphal organised a Jubilee Programme dedicated to the sick and healthcare workers on April 6, 2025, at the Catholic Medical Centre’s College of Nursing Auditorium in Imphal. The event brought together approximately 150 participants for a day of reflection, fellowship, and spiritual enrichment.

The programme was graced by the presence of Most Rev. (Dr.) Linus Neli, Archbishop of Imphal, and Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, Emeritus Archbishop of Imphal, along with several priests, religious sisters, and healthcare professionals.

The event commenced with a melodious song performed by the students of CMC College of Nursing. Key dignitaries present at the event then participated in the lighting of the ceremonial lamp—a symbolic act representing the illumination of knowledge and wisdom. In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Khumlo Tangshel Anal, Director of CMC, extended heartfelt greetings to all attendees.

As the programme progressed, a group song by the staff of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) added to the spirit of camaraderie and celebration. A pivotal moment of the day was a speech delivered by Rev. Fr. Ivan Santosh Dias, CBCI Secretary Health Commission. In his address, he stated that "Healthcare for the Catholic Church is an apostolate and not just a profession," highlighting the service-orientated nature of healthcare within a faith-based context.

The programme continued with another group performance by staff members from the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS). This was followed by a thought-provoking discourse by Rev. Fr. (Dr.) T.S. Dominic, Parish Priest of Awangkhul, on “Moral and Ethical Practices of Medical Professionals.” His talk underscored the importance of ethical responsibility in the medical field, particularly within a faith-based framework.

The forenoon session culminated in a solemn Holy Eucharistic Celebration led by Archbishop Linus Neli, offering a moment of deep spiritual reflection and connection for all attendees, especially the sick and those in the healthcare profession.

The day concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Benedict, AYUSH State Nodal Officer, who expressed sincere gratitude to all participants, organisers, and performers for their invaluable contributions.

The Jubilee Programme served not only as a day of spiritual and communal bonding but also as a reaffirmation of the Church’s enduring commitment to compassionate and ethical healthcare.

By Tungthang Zou