100 Kuki-Zo Catholic Leaders Train in Trauma Healing Amid Manipur Violence

Around 100 Kuki-Zo Catholic priests, religious sisters, and lay leaders attended a two-day pastoral training program on trauma healing to strengthen support for communities affected by prolonged ethnic violence in Manipur, northeastern India.

Organized by the Archdiocese of Imphal in collaboration with the Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS), Imphal, the October 19–20 program was held at St. Mary’s Parish in Tuibuang, Churachandpur district.

The training focused on the emotional, psychological, spiritual, and pastoral needs of people affected by violence, displacement, grief, and insecurity.

Fr. Dr. Anthony O’Souza, SJ, a clinical psychologist from Mumbai, led sessions on trauma healing and pastoral ministry alongside Nithya Lourdmary Joseph, an advocate psychologist, and Tanya Serrao, a counseling psychologist.

Reflecting on the crisis in Manipur, Fr. O’Souza said fear could trigger a cycle of division and hostility.

“Violence comes from fear, which leads to polarisation and the dehumanisation of others,” he said.

The sessions examined the causes and consequences of violence, fear, polarization, and dehumanization, with discussions on how these dynamics affect communities experiencing prolonged unrest.

Participants took part in question-and-answer sessions, group discussions, guided meditation, healing exercises, and personal reflection. The activities aimed to help Church leaders understand trauma and develop practical approaches to accompanying affected individuals and families.

Another session explored ways to interrupt cycles of violence and strengthen the role of religious leaders in promoting healing, reconciliation, and peace.

Addressing the participants, Fr. O’Souza emphasized the importance of love, courage, and faith in responding to fear and division.

“As religious leaders, your calling is not to fear the world but to anchor yourself in the perfection of love that casts out fear,” he said.

The program was coordinated by Fr. Sony Thomas, director of DSSS, Imphal, and Fr. Samy, parish priest of St. Mary’s Parish, Tuibuang.

It concluded with participants renewing their commitment to accompanying communities affected by violence through compassionate pastoral care.

A similar formation program for Naga Catholic priests, religious sisters, and lay leaders is scheduled for October 22–23 at St. Paul Retreat House in Imphal.

Manipur, a state in northeastern India bordering Myanmar, has experienced prolonged ethnic violence since May 3, 2023. The unrest has displaced families, disrupted community life, and posed continuing challenges for Church leaders serving affected populations.

Through the formation programs, the Archdiocese of Imphal seeks to equip Catholic leaders to respond to the crisis with greater understanding of trauma and a commitment to reconciliation and peace.