Kuki-Zo Catholics in Manipur's Churchandpur District Celebrate Palm Sunday with Archbishop of Imphal

LAMKA, Manipur, April 14, 2025: The Kuki-Zo Catholic community based in the Churachandpur District of Manipur came together in large numbers to celebrate Palm Sunday on April 13, 2025, at Good Shepherd Parish, Lamka. The celebration held special significance as it was presided over by Archbishop Dr. Linus Neli and concelebrated by Rev. Dr. Stephen Touthang, parish priest of Good Shepherd Parish, Lamka.

Most of the faithful attending the service were Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who were affected by the ongoing ethnic conflict that erupted in May 2023. For them, the celebration marked not only the beginning of Holy Week but also a much-needed moment of spiritual unity and hope.

The service began at the parish’s school campus, where parishioners of all ages gathered for a symbolic reenactment of Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. waving palm branches in the air, the congregation proceeded in a solemn yet joyful procession toward the church, singing:

“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” and “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

In his homily, Archbishop Neli reflected on the Jubilee Year 2021, being commemorated by the global Catholic Church in 2025. He highlighted its spiritual significance, explaining that the Jubilee—a tradition once observed every 100 years and now every 25 years—is an opportunity to recall Jesus’ coming and renew faith in God’s promises.

“To be with God and heaven, we must believe in Him, be baptised in His name, and obey His words,” said Archbishop Neli, urging the faithful to remain steadfast in their devotion. He emphasised the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” inspired by Pope Francis, as particularly resonant for the Kuki-Zo community amid ongoing unrest. “In moments of need and weakness, we must pray—whether our prayers are short or long, God will grant our desires,” he affirmed. The Archbishop encouraged the congregation to dedicate time this Holy Week to pray for healing amid the violence and crisis they face.

Mr. Michael Ginzasuan, advisor of the Parish Pastoral Council, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Neli for celebrating Palm Sunday with the community in Churchandpur. He noted that the community has felt increasingly disconnected from the Archdiocese of Imphal since the beginning of the Manipur conflict in 2023, with limited opportunities to attend events in the capital due to safety concerns and ethnic divides. He also thanked the Bishop and his team for their support of the Catholic community during the challenges posed by the crisis in Manipur.

Ginzasuan urged the Archbishop to visit the Kuki-Zo Catholic community in Churchandpur frequently and also highlighted the pressing need for educational infrastructure in the region, including the establishment of a college to serve the growing IDP population.

As Holy Week begins, the Kuki-Zo Catholic faithful continue to pray for peace and healing in Manipur, drawing strength from their faith and the cherished support of their Archbishop.

By Tungthang Zou