Catholic Leadership Training Program Organized at St. Thomas Parish, Singngat, Manipur

Singngat, Manipur, January 27, 2025: A one-day Catholic leadership training program was organized at St. Thomas Parish Auditorium, Singngat, on January 25, 2025. Organized by the RVA Zo Service in collaboration with the Pastoral Council of St. Thomas Parish, the event gathered 74 participants from nine villages under the parish's jurisdiction. The program, held under the theme "Jubilee Year 2025," aimed to empower church members and equip them with leadership skills to strengthen grassroots churches in celebration of the Jubilee Year.

Rev. Fr. Patrick Lal, a newly ordained priest, delivered the opening session of the program with a talk on "The Challenges Faced by Catholic Leaders." He emphasized that leaders must be "God-fearing and inclusive in all walks of life for all people." Fr. Lal encouraged leaders to guide their communities toward the church and focus on the development of both, the local parish and the wider Catholic community. Highlighting the role of social media, he said, "In this age, social media is essential to defend our Catholic community against false narratives and to share the Good News."

The program featured insights from senior catechist Peter Kammang, aged 80, of Good Shepherd Parish, Lamka, who shared the history of the St. Thomas Parish and the coming of Catholicism into Churachanpur district in general. Reflecting on the challenges faced by St. Thomas Parish, he said, "In the beginning, more than 12 villages were under the parish. However, many Catholic villages later converted to Protestantism, and due to inactive leadership, the number of villages under the parish dwindled to six villages and 51 households." He also recounted the impact of the May 2023 Manipur conflict, which devastated St. Joseph's Parish, Sugnu, resulting in the migration of 125 Catholic households to St. Thomas Parish. "Worshipping together is a sign that God is with us," he said.” “Jesus came down to earth, not to be treated lavishly, but to be with us and save us all,’’ he added.

Fr. Dyjo Mathew, MCBS, in charge of Behiang Centre, presented a session on "Practical Evangelization: A Road Map for Unit Churches." He reminded participants that all of them are leaders in the church and have full responsibility for creating strong Catholic communities. "Jesus is the greatest evangelizer, and it is our duty as leaders to guide the church on the right path," Fr. Mathew said. He also stressed the importance of understanding the conditions and challenges of others to evangelize effectively.

Fr. Mung, parish priest of St. Thomas Church, delivered the concluding session of the program. Drawing inspiration from Leviticus 25 and Luke 4:16, he described the Jubilee as "a time of freedom from different blocks for God." Fr. Mung also outlined the Archdiocese of Imphal's plans for the Holy Year in his address.

The program began with an opening prayer, a welcome address by the parish priest, and an introduction to the training. Catechist Francis concluded the event with a closing prayer. At the end of the program, the newly established Catholic village of Belpuan, with faithful mostly from St. Joseph's Parish, Sugnu, was introduced to parishioners. The parish also announced its plans for a major conference to be held in July and the parish feast day by Mr. Thomas Paupi and Mr. James, vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council

By Tungthang Zo,

RVA Zo Service