Lamphoupasna Celebrates 70 Years of Catholic Faith in Manipur

Chandel, Manipur, May 2, 2026: The faithful of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Lamphoupasna commemorated seven decades of Catholic faith on May 2 with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, marking a historic milestone for one of the pioneering Catholic communities among the Anal Naga people.

Held under the theme, "Celebrating God's Faithfulness," the jubilee Mass was presided over by Fr. James Tangshel, with Fr. Bs. Joseph serving as co-celebrant. In his homily, Fr. James reflected on God's abiding fidelity throughout the village's journey of faith. He paid tribute to the first villagers who embraced Catholicism in 1956, urging the congregation to remember their rich spiritual heritage with gratitude while looking ahead with renewed hope.

A highlight of the celebration was a historical presentation by retired catechist Kl. Stephen Ruwngkham, who traced the remarkable growth of the Church in Lamphoupasna. Special honours were bestowed on the village's first Catholic converts, who were baptised on May 1, 1956, by the late Fr. Ravalico, SDB. They were presented with mementoes and traditional scarves in recognition of their enduring witness to the faith. The honoured elders also shared personal memories and offered prayers for the continued flourishing of the Church.

The occasion also saw the felicitation of former and current pastors, catechists, representatives of Anal Catholic Churches, youth leaders and women's leaders, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the life of the community.

Adding colour and joy to the jubilee were cultural performances by students of Don Bosco School, Lamphoupasna and members of the local women's society.

Lamphoupasna occupies a unique place in the history of the Church in Manipur as the first village of the Anal Naga community to embrace the Catholic faith in 1956. Today, with approximately 150 households and a population of around 800, the village remains overwhelmingly Catholic. It also serves as the centre of the St. Dominic Mission Centre, which includes Don Bosco School and continues to be a vibrant hub of evangelisation and education.

The jubilee celebration drew priests, religious, Church leaders from various Anal Catholic communities, members of Modi Baptist Church, and numerous well-wishers, reflecting the spirit of unity and thanksgiving that marked the occasion. As Lamphoupasna celebrates this significant milestone, it stands as a living testimony to God's faithfulness across generations.

By Fr. Alex

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