Imphal Archdiocese Celebrates Sisters’ Day, Calls for Synodal Mission and Peace

Imphal, November 8, 2026: Around 90 religious sisters representing various congregations serving in the Archdiocese of Imphal gathered on November 7 and 8 for Sisters’ Day 2026, focusing on the role of women religious in building a synodal Church and promoting peace in Manipur.

Held under the theme, “Role of Women Religious in a Synodal Church: Listening, Discerning and Walking Together,” the two-day gathering featured spiritual reflection, pastoral sharing and discussions on strengthening communion and collaboration among religious congregations.

The programme began with a spiritual reflection by Sr. Bridget FCC, Animator of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, who described religious life as “the Gospel that people today can read”. She urged the sisters to bear witness to Christ through their relationships, daily lives and commitment to their consecrated vocation. The session was followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

On the second day, representatives of different congregations shared their pastoral experiences, outlining their ministries, challenges and contributions to the Church in Manipur.

Fr. Paul Ngaoni, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, addressed the gathering on the theme, highlighting consecrated women as a gift to the Church through their baptismal identity, vocation and commitment. Drawing on Pope John Paul II’s apostolic exhortation Vita Consecrata, he reflected on consecrated life as a vocation rooted in contemplation and expressed through mission, service and the evangelical counsels.

Emphasising synodality, he called for unity amid diversity, mutual appreciation of different charisms and greater collaboration among congregations. In the context of the continuing challenges in Manipur, he urged the sisters to become agents of reconciliation, healing and peace, moving beyond individualism and competition towards communion and shared responsibility.

The participants subsequently held group discussions on ten questions concerning synodal living, identifying practical commitments to strengthen their common mission.

Archbishop Linus Neli presided over the concluding Eucharistic celebration. In his homily, he appreciated the dedication of consecrated women and urged them to remain faithful to their vocation and charisms. He described poverty, chastity and obedience as essential safeguards in navigating the challenges of religious life and stressed the need for interiority, holiness and personal conviction.

The celebration concluded with presentations of the group discussion reports, prize distribution and expressions of gratitude. The sisters also offered special prayers for peace in Manipur.

The gathering also drew inspiration from Ningol Chakkouba, the traditional Meitei festival celebrating the bond between married women and their parental families, underscoring the importance of relationships, fraternity and communion.

By Catholic Connect Reporter