St. John’s Church Inaugurated in Manipur’s Chakpikarong, a Historic Moment for Local Catholics

Manipur, 9 October 2025: The long-awaited St. John’s Catholic Church in Y. Khutha village, under St. Joseph’s Parish, Sugnu, Manipur, was solemnly inaugurated and blessed on 8 October by Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Lumon, D.D., of Imphal. The new church marks a historic milestone as the lone Catholic church in the Chakpikarong area of Chandel District, radiating faith and hope in a predominantly non-Catholic region.

The solemn Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Archbishop Emeritus Lumon and concelebrated by Fr. Roy Joseph, SVD, Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Parish, Sugnu, along with ten priests from neighbouring parishes.

In his homily, Archbishop Lumon reflected on the Word of God as the light guiding every believer’s life, saying, “One cannot journey in darkness without light; likewise, the Word of God must be the light guiding our life’s journey.” He spoke on the significance of the Altar as the symbol of Christ’s eternal sacrifice and reminded the faithful that every Mass is not a repetition but a re-presentation of that sacrifice.

A touching highlight of the day was the interdenominational spirit shown by members of the local Baptist Church, who helped in preparing for the dedication ceremony. Their gesture of goodwill echoed the mutual support shared years earlier when Catholics assisted during the dedication of the Baptist church, an inspiring example of unity in faith and community.

In his address, Fr. Roy Joseph, SVD, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to building the church. “This church stands as a testament of our deep faith in Jesus Christ, our unity, and our generosity. All of you have sacrificed your time, talent, and resources for this sacred place. I strongly believe that the merciful Lord will reward your faithfulness,” he said, while also urging the faithful to remember their elders who nurtured the seeds of faith in the village.

Reflecting on the event, W.L. John, the local catechist of Y. Khutha, remarked, “With just a household of 23, it is indeed a miracle and the hand of God that they could build such a beautiful place of worship.”

The day also included a colourful cultural and felicitation programme featuring songs, dances, and choreographies by local groups. Those who supported the church’s construction were honoured for their contributions.

The joyous occasion brought together 11 priests, four religious sisters, catechists, village chiefs, CSO leaders, pastors from other denominations, and hundreds of faithful from nearby villages.

Today, the Catholic faithful of Y. Khutha and Anal Khunou villages stand as steadfast witnesses of faith and perseverance. The newly blessed St. John’s Church will serve as a shared house of prayer for the 23 Catholic families who, for over five decades, have kept their faith alive in the heart of Chakpikarong.

St. John’s Church Inaugurated in Manipur’s Chakpikarong, a Historic Moment for Local Catholics

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