Monsang Community Celebrates Ordination of Its Fourth Catholic Priest

Chandel, February 1: The Monsang Catholic community marked a historic moment of joy and thanksgiving with the ordination of its fourth priest, Fr. Ts. Albert Monsang, during the 15th Catholic Congress of St. Peter’s Parish, Monsang Pantha, on Sunday. The priestly ordination was presided over by Fr. Dominic Lumon, DD, Archbishop Emeritus of Imphal.

Fr. Ts. Albert Monsang hails from Monsang Pantha village, which holds a unique place in the history of the Monsang Catholic community, as all four priests from the community have originated from this single village. The other priests include Fr. Dominic Lumon, DD, Archbishop Emeritus of Imphal, the late Fr. Albert Khartu, and Fr. Albert Rakesh. The Monsang community comprises around 1,000 Catholic faithful, with over 600 residing in Monsang Pantha village, and is further enriched by the presence of six religious sisters.

The solemn ordination Mass drew over a thousand faithful who gathered in prayer and thanksgiving. Fr. Benny Varghese Edathattel, DD, Bishop of Itanagar Diocese, joined as a co-celebrant, along with more than 30 priests, religious sisters, Church leaders, and well-wishers, highlighting the spirit of unity and ecclesial communion.

Born on August 21, 1993, to Ts. Beningtin Benedict and the late W. Tiwar Teresa, Fr. Albert is the sixth of eight children. He was baptised on September 12, 1993, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Monsang Pantha, received his First Holy Communion in 2006, and was confirmed on January 18, 2009, at Charangching Khullen during the Parish Catholic Congress.

Though a native of Manipur, Fr. Ts. Albert Monsang will exercise his priestly ministry in the Diocese of Itanagar, offering his life in service to the people of God. His ordination formed a central highlight of the 15th Catholic Congress of St. Peter’s Parish, held from January 29 to February 2 at Holy Cross Catholic Church under the theme, “Hope in hard times, faith beyond finances.” The celebration stood as a testimony to enduring faith, perseverance, and the vitality of Christian life within the Monsang community.