Imphal Archdiocese Plans Pastoral Training to Support Communities Amid Manipur Crisis

IMPHAL, October 15, 2026: The Archdiocese of Imphal will conduct a two-phase residential formation programme to equip priests, religious sisters and lay leaders to accompany communities facing emotional, spiritual and pastoral challenges amid Manipur’s prolonged crisis.

Archbishop Linus Neli announced the initiative in a letter dated September 3, highlighting the pastoral difficulties confronting clergy, religious and other Church collaborators.

The two-day programme will provide opportunities for reflection, experience-sharing and practical formation in pastoral accompaniment. Experienced resource persons from Bombay will lead the sessions, offering guidance to help participants respond more effectively to the needs of people affected by difficult circumstances.

The first phase, for participants from the Churachandpur area, will be held on October 19–20 at St Mary’s Parish, Tuibuang. The second phase is scheduled for October 22–23 at St Paul’s Retreat Centre, Imphal. Both programmes will begin at 9 am.

Archbishop Neli has urged those invited to treat the programme as a priority, stressing that their participation carries responsibilities beyond personal enrichment.

“Your participation is not merely a personal enrichment, but a pastoral priority and responsibility entrusted to us at this particular moment,” he wrote.

He encouraged participants to make full use of the formation opportunity to strengthen their pastoral ministry and accompany people with compassion and hope.

The initiative comes amid continuing ethnic violence and uncertainty in Manipur, which have placed considerable strain on communities and those engaged in Church ministry. The crisis has highlighted the need for pastoral workers to respond sensitively to the emotional and spiritual needs of affected people.

Through the programme, the archdiocese aims to strengthen the capacity of priests, religious sisters and lay leaders to provide sustained pastoral support to communities navigating the crisis.

By Catholic Connect Reporter