Special Jubilee Mass held for the Kuki-Zo people in Churachandpur

Churachandpur, Manipur, December 31, 2024: The Archdiocese of Imphal inaugurated the Jubilee Year 2025 on December 29, 2024 with a Holy Mass at St. Joseph's Cathedral, Mantripukhri, Imphal. For the Kuki-Zo people who couldn't attend this Jubilee Mass due to the crisis in Manipur, a special Jubilee Year celebration and Mass was held in Churachandpur. The event, led by Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, Archbishop Emeritus of Imphal, was held in the compound of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Churachandpur.

The event commenced with a brief introduction to the theme of the new Jubilee Year and its significance by Fr. Mark Thang Khan Ai. This was followed by the hoisting of the Jubilee flag in the basketball court of the school by Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Lumon. After this, a symbolic Jubilee crucifix was carried in a solemn procession from the basketball court into the adjacent Good Shepherd Parish Church, where the Holy Mass was celebrated.

During the liturgy, Archbishop Lumon blessed water, which was then sprinkled on the faithful as a sign of purification and renewal. A parishioner-led choir enhanced the solemnity of the occasion with spiritual hymns.

In his homily during the Mass, Archbishop Lumon emphasized hope as the central message of the Jubilee Year. Drawing inspiration from St. Paul’s teachings, he reminded the congregation that hope in Christ never disappoints. He urged the faithful to embrace this sacred Jubilee year as an opportunity for deepened prayer, reconciliation, and renewed faith. "Pope Francis invites us to undertake a journey of prayer and experience God's mercy, compassion, and forgiveness in this new Jubilee Year," he said. Archbishop Lumon also highlighted the significance of pilgrimage, encouraging those unable to visit Rome during the Jubilee Year to renew their faith by receiving the sacraments and deepening their prayer life in local churches.

The Archbishop also highlighted the significance of the Feast of the Holy Family, celebrated on the same day, urging families to emulate the Holy Family's virtues of faith, love, and holiness. He called on parents to nurture their children in faith, emphasizing their role as custodians of God’s gifts.

As the Archdiocese of Imphal embarked on the new Jubilee Year, the Archbishop prayed for families and communities, asking for the Holy Family’s guidance in fostering love, unity, and holiness. He expressed hope that the Jubilee Year would bring abundant grace and inspire families to radiate Christ's love to the world.

The celebrations concluded with blessings and a collective commitment to making the Jubilee Year a transformative spiritual journey for all.

By Steve Antao