St. Xavier Unit Church, Immanuel Khopi, Manipur, Inaugurates Grotto in a Grand Ceremony

Lamka, Manipur, February 24, 2025—The parishioners of St. Xavier Unit Church, Immanuel Khopi, under Good Shepherd Parish in Lamka, Manipur, inaugurated its magnificent St. Xavier’s Grotto on February 23, 2025. The grotto was blessed and dedicated by Fr. Stephen Touthang, the parish priest of Good Shepherd Parish, in a solemn ceremony attended by the faithful. Established as a sacred space for prayer and reflection, the Grotto symbolises the resilience and unity of the Catholic community in the region.

During the blessing, Fr. Touthang emphasised the significance of the Grotto as a place for heartfelt prayer, encouraging Catholic families to pause and pray at the site before entering the church. “Without prayer, the Grotto stands meaningless,” he stated, urging the faithful to embrace its spiritual purpose.

St. Xavier Unit Church serves Catholic members from the villages of Thingkangphai, Songsiboh, Joujang, Immanuel, and Khupgouveng. Previously part of St. John Church Unit, these families sought a more accessible place of worship due to distance and communication challenges. Under the guidance of then-Parish Priest of Immanuel Kholi village, the unit church was established in 2017.

However, for more than seven years, the community gathered in members' homes, with John Kamkhanthang offering his space for Sunday prayers and Rosary gatherings. Despite the absence of a physical church, the congregation grew in faith and solidarity.

In 2023, the church demonstrated its commitment to service by sheltering five displaced families from Sugnu during the Manipur conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribes. Later that year, their perseverance led to the construction of the St. Xavier Unit Church, which was inaugurated on December 3, 2023.

Following the church’s establishment, leaders initiated efforts to build the Grotto, forming a dedicated committee to oversee its construction. Key members of the committee included Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Phillip Zou, and Mr. Benjamin. After a year of dedicated work, the Grotto was completed and inaugurated, marking a milestone in the spiritual journey of the St. Xavier Unit Church community.

The inauguration ceremony concluded with the first-ever Zou Holy Mass in the newly built church, led by Fr. Mark Aimeng. In his homily, Fr. Mark spoke about Jesus’ early ministry and His message of love and forgiveness. “Everyone should take the time to pray for those they find challenging and embrace forgiveness,” Fr. Mark urged, reinforcing the teachings of Christ.

The Grotto stands as a pioneering initiative in Lamka, as many local churches lack such a sacred structure. By taking the bold step of constructing it, St. Xavier Unit Church has set a precedent for others to follow. This simple yet profound spiritual landmark now serves as a beacon of faith and inspiration for the Catholic community in the region.

By Tungthang Zou,

News Reporter and Producer,

Radio Veritas Asia Zo Service