Lamka Parish in Imphal Honours Catechist Peter Kammang Zou for 50 Years of Faithful Service

Lamka, April 26, 2026: The Catholic community of Lamka paid a heartfelt tribute to Catechist Peter Kammang Zou, whose remarkable five decades of service have left an enduring mark on the Church in Manipur. His retirement was marked during the Feast of the Good Shepherd at Good Shepherd Parish, coinciding fittingly with the birthday of Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Archbishop Linus Neli and concelebrated by ten priests, drew a large congregation of faithful. Their presence was especially significant amid the continuing social unrest in Manipur, including violence, economic blockades, and widespread protests.

In his homily, Archbishop Neli reflected on Christ as the Good Shepherd, calling on the faithful to deepen their personal relationship with Jesus. He emphasised that the knowledge of Christ often begins within the family, nurtured first by parents, and is further strengthened by the guidance of the Church. Encouraging regular reading of Sacred Scripture, he reminded the congregation that learning to recognise the voice of the Good Shepherd is essential to Christian discipleship.

For Peter Kammang Zou, the celebration was the culmination of an extraordinary journey that began in 1973, when he commenced his ministry at Good Shepherd Parish, Lamka. Over the next five decades, he became a pillar of the local Church, dedicating his life to catechesis, evangelisation, and the expansion of the Catholic faith in some of the region's most remote and challenging areas.

His missionary zeal later took him to St. Thomas Parish, Singngat, where his leadership proved instrumental in securing land for the parish and for the mission centre at Behiang, now administered by the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (MCBS). Under his guidance, both church and school structures were established, bringing faith formation and educational opportunities to previously underserved communities.

Peter Kammang Zou's apostolic reach extended far beyond parish boundaries. He travelled to isolated villages near the Indo-Myanmar border, introducing countless families to the Catholic faith. Even after his formal retirement as a touring catechist in 2003, he continued his ministry at Good Shepherd Parish, helping establish several new Church units and remaining an active presence in parish life.

Recognising his immense contribution, Catholic organisations and Church communities from across Churachandpur district came together to honour him. The Parish Pastoral Council presented him with a cash gift of Rs. 50,000 and a traditional shawl, while numerous groups offered tokens of gratitude and appreciation.

Widely regarded as one of the pioneering builders of the Catholic Church in Churachandpur district, Peter Kammang Zou's life stands as a powerful witness to steadfast faith, perseverance, and selfless service. In a region where Catholics remain a minority, his fifty years of ministry have helped shape generations of believers and strengthen the foundations of the local Church.

His legacy will continue to inspire the faithful for years to come.

By Catholic Connect Reporter