MCBS Congregation Inaugurates First Mission Centre in Behiang, Manipur

Behiang, Manipur, February 19, 2025: The Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (MCBS) inaugurated its first-ever mission centre in Behiang, a remote village on the Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur, on February 18, 2025. The inauguration ceremony, led by Most Rev. Dr. Linus Neli, Archbishop of Imphal, was attended by local leaders, members of the clergy, and members of the local community. During the ceremony, the adjacent St. Mary’s School was also officially opened.

The event commenced with Fr. Varghese Velickakam, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Imphal, providing an overview of the establishment of the Behiang Mission Centre and reading the appointment letter of Fr. Mathew Dyjo MCBS as the first Priest In-Charge of the Centre.

Following this, a solemn Holy Mass was presided over by Archbishop Linus Neli, with Fr. Mathew Olickal, Provincial of MCBS Zion Province, and 14 other priests concelebrating. In his homily, Archbishop Neli emphasised the universal role of Catholics in strengthening their faith and expressed hope for miracles in Behiang.

“As Catholics, the sacraments hold significant importance as a sign of worship to God, and Fr. Mathew Dyjo has been entrusted with making the sacraments available to the people of Behiang and ensuring the St. Mary School benefits the community," he remarked.

“Pray for Fr. Mathew Dyjo, your bishop, your community, the supporters of the Behiang Centre, and especially for Sir Jacob, who has served St. Mary School for over 25 years,” the archbishop added.

After the religious ceremonies, a formal inaugural program was held, during which Fr. Olickal officially inaugurated St. Mary’s School in the presence of MLA of Singngat, Pu Chinlunthang, Archbishop Linus Neli, Jubilee Mawi, Chief of Behiang, Commander in Chief of the 37th Battalion of Assam Rifles in Behiang, Fr. Mung, Parish Priest of St. Thomas Parish, and Fr. Dyjo. Priests and nuns from various parishes, alongside the people of Behiang, parishioners of St. Thomas Parish, representatives of various community organisations, and students were also present during the function.

In his address, the Honourable MLA of Singngat, Mr. Pu Chinlunthang, reflected on his longstanding association with St. Mary’s School, spanning over 15 years. Expressing his love for the people, he stated, “This is my ancestral land. We need to strengthen the Catholic community in Behiang so that development can occur more effectively.” The MLA also urged Catholic leaders to consider starting a Class XII program in alignment with the New Education Policy, which eliminates Class X examinations in favour of a direct transition to Class XII. He assured his support for any initiatives undertaken by the Catholic community.

The United Zou Organisation (UZO), the largest representative body of the Zou community, highlighted its decade-long collaboration with St. Mary’s School. They noted that over 100 students have successfully passed Class X through their partnership with the school.

Commandant Thakur of the 37th Battalion of Assam Rifles stationed at Behiang also assured the administrators of St. Mary’s School of security at all levels for the newly inaugurated institution.

Behiang Chief Jubilee Mawi expressed deep gratitude for the bishop’s visit, calling it a historic moment for the village. With tears in her eyes, she shared that it was her first time meeting a bishop. She appealed to the Bishop and the Catholic priests to work together to improve St. Mary’s School and provide benefits to the community, which has been limited in terms of infrastructure.

The inauguration of the MCBS Mission Centre in Behiang marks a significant milestone for the Catholic community in the region, promising both spiritual and educational advancements in one of Manipur’s most remote areas.

By Tungthang Zou,

News Producer and Reporter,

Radio Veritas Asia Zo Service