Spiritual Animation Programme for Catholic Women Held in Churachandpur, Manipur

Imphal, Manipur, August 26, 2025: The Manipur Catholic Women Organisation (MCWO), a wing of the Archdiocese of Imphal, hosted a one-day Spiritual Animation programme on Sunday, August 24, at the Divine Glory Retreat Centre in Zoumun, a village in Manipur’s Churachandpur district. The event brought together around 500 women belonging to the Kuki-Zo tribe from various parishes across the district. Held under the theme “It is not you who will speak but the Spirit of the Father in You” (Matthew 10:20), the programme aimed to deepen the faith of the participants and foster unity among them.

The programme began with a vibrant session of praise and worship led by Catechist Savio Lianzaw and Sr. Roveina Archana FCC, Spiritual Director of MCWO. This was followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary and a session of mass confession. Fr. Albert Rakesh, Assistant Parish Priest of Good Shepherd Parish, Lamka, then delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the day’s proceedings.

Fr. Soni Thomas, Joint Director of the Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS), Imphal, and Spiritual Director of MCWO, delivered the first session of the day. In his address, he stated that God’s presence brings peace, emphasising that “having God’s presence in our hearts leads to a peaceful life, and we are called to bear one another’s burdens.” He urged the attendees to work towards harmony with one another, noting that true justice cannot exist without peace.

“Jesus is our hero; we don’t see him, but we can feel his presence. Jesus heals the broken,” Fr. Soni affirmed, while highlighting forgiveness and unity as core Christian values. He reminded the faithful that both joys and challenges in life serve as opportunities for growth under God’s care.

Sr. Roveina Archana FCC, Director of the Women and Children Commission of the Archdiocese, led the second session of the day, speaking on the theme “Rooted in God’s Love: The Treasures that Transform Our Life.” She highlighted the importance of key Catholic practices such as the Holy Eucharist, Confession, Reconciliation, communal prayer, Scripture reading, and the Holy Rosary. Describing these as the “lifelines of our Catholic faith”, she emphasised that they are essential in drawing us closer to God.

The event witnessed the presence of several notable dignitaries, including Fr. George Ginsei Baite, Parish Priest of St. Teresa’s Parish, Tuaitengphai, Fr. Robert and Fr. Praful, Priests-in-Charge of Divine Glory Retreat Centre, Zoumun, along with other prominent church leaders. Also in attendance was Madam Justina Roel, the newly elected president of the MCWO, making her first appearance in this capacity. In her address to the gathering, she expressed her delight at seeing a large number of women participating in the event. She emphasised the importance of unity and encouraged all the women to walk together in support of the Church and its people under her leadership.

Fr. Soni Thomas led the congregation in a solemn session of Holy Adoration, creating a deeply prayerful atmosphere. Following this, he presided over a Holy Mass, offering spiritual guidance and blessings to all the faithful present.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Anna Neiboi Gangte, Chairperson of Kuki Catholic Women Union, Manipur (KCWUM), followed by a fellowship meal served by the MCWO.

The event marked a historic milestone as it brought together women from the Kuki-Zo community and the Manipur Catholic Women Organisation for the first time since the outbreak of violence more than two years ago. The gathering played a significant role in fostering unity and solidarity among Catholic women in the region, reinforcing their commitment to peace and harmony.

By Tungthang Zou

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