St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Blessed and Dedicated in Manipur

Manipur, October 21, 2025: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church was blessed and dedicated by Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Lumon on 18 October at V. Munpi Village, Manipur. The ceremony was attended by over a thousand faithful, including church leaders from Lamka and neighbouring villages, fifteen priests from parishes across the Lamka area, religious sisters, delegates from Holy Family Parish, Chikha, Burma, and visitors from Singngat.

In his homily, Archbishop Lumon highlighted the significance of belonging to the Church. He encouraged the faithful to participate regularly in the Eucharist, support the Church as committed members, and express gratitude to all who contributed to the construction of the new church. He also commended agencies that assisted the diocese during recent ethnic violence across the hills and valleys.

Fr. Varghese VC, Coordinator of the Relief and Rehabilitation Programme for Catholic IDPs in Manipur, emphasised the Church’s ongoing mission among displaced persons, particularly in the hill districts. To date, the Catholic Church has built 500 homes, primarily in Churachandpur District, providing both shelter and livelihood support to affected families.

A felicitation programme featured vibrant cultural performances by local artists and the youth of Holy Family Parish, Chikha, adding joy and thanksgiving to the celebration.

Among the distinguished guests were Mr. Jeronimo Pereira and his wife Mary Pereira, the main benefactors of the church. “We were deeply moved by the community’s need for a place of worship, and our family wanted to provide a proper church for them,” Mr. Pereira said. He credited Street Providence Goa for identifying the need for a church and supporting IDPs in Singngat since the onset of violence in Manipur.

The primary beneficiaries of the Singngat projects were Catholics from Singtom Village under St. Joseph Parish, Sugnu, who faced severe displacement due to violence in Chandel District. The Singtom community, noted for its rich Catholic heritage, took a leading role in rebuilding faith and community life. Senior Catechist Peter Kammang and his brothers donated farmland to establish new settlements for displaced families. The community had previously donated land for St. Joseph’s Parish, Sugnu, and has since produced three priests and five nuns.

“The people of Singtom are among the most blessed of the displaced communities in Manipur,” Fr. Athanasius Mung, parish priest of St. Thomas parish, said. “They have received housing, provisions, and spiritual care through the collaboration of many agencies.” He added that the steadfast faith of Singtom Catholics, strengthened through pastoral visits by Fr. Mark Aimeng, former Director of RVA Zo Service, continues to inspire and expand the Catholic presence throughout the Singngat region.

The new church, perched on a serene hill overlooking the village, now stands as a symbol of renewal and hope. Fr. Athanasius Mung announced that 18 October will be observed annually as Pilgrimage Day, featuring the Holy Eucharist, Marian devotions, and Divine Mercy prayers.

V. Munpi Village, located under Singngat Sub-Divisional Headquarters, was once abandoned but has been revitalised under Peter Kammang’s leadership. Following the ethnic violence of May 2023, IDPs from Singtom initially took refuge in the old St. Joseph’s School building managed by the Archdiocese of Imphal before relocating to V. Munpi. The Archdiocese mobilised resources and financial aid from various sources, while villagers cleared jungles, made concrete bricks, and built 80 houses, with 50 completed by mid-2025—a testament to faith, resilience, and communal effort.

By Tungthang Zou