Imphal Archdiocese Celebrates Chrism Mass, Honours Clergy Amid Tensions

Imphal, 17 April, 2025 : The Archdiocese of Imphal marked its annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday night, 15 April 2025, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Imphal. Archbishop Dr. Linus Neli presided over the solemn celebration, concelebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Lumon, D.D., and Fr. Varghese Vikram, the Vicar General. Over 150 diocesan priests and around 300 religious sisters from various congregations attended the gathering.

Following the Mass, the Manipur Catholic Youth Organisation (MCYO) hosted a formal felicitation ceremony, presenting gifts to each priest in recognition of their dedicated service to the Church and community.

In a separate observance, priests from the Kuki-Zo community celebrated a priesthood Mass at St. Mary’s Parish in Tuibuang, reflecting the ethnic tensions that have led to parallel services. Archbishop Emeritus Lumon led the Mass, joined by 15 priests and 25 sisters.

Sr. Clare guided a meditative session themed “Looking Back and Looking Forward,” drawing from Romans 1:1. She urged vigilance against worldly distractions such as excessive smartphone use and alcohol, referencing Luke 21:34, and encouraged faithful discipline during Holy Week.

In his homily, Archbishop Emeritus Lumon reflected on betrayal, citing Judas’s actions as a profound emotional wound to Christ. He challenged the faithful to examine their lives, warning against the “spirit of Judas” while promoting the “spirit of John” for closeness to Christ and the “spirit of Peter” as a pathway to repentance and renewal.

The newly formed Kuki-Zo Catholic Union, created in response to the Manipur crisis, organised the Tuibuang celebration. The union honoured each priest with gifts, fostering unity and faith amidst adversity.

By Tungthang Zou