India: Mao Catholic Congress Highlights “Faith in Action” After a Decade

The Mao Catholic Association (MCA) organised its 28th General Congress from January 23 to 26 at St. Paul Church, Chowinamei, under Makhan Parish in the northeast Indina state of  Manipur. Held after a gap of ten years, the four-day gathering brought together over 3,000 faithful from 29 churches, including parishes and substations, under the theme “Faith in Action.”

The Congress began with the hoisting of the MCA flag, marking a moment of renewal and unity for the Mao Catholic community.

Welcoming the participants, MCA President Mr. Adani Joseph said the faithful had come together leaving aside their daily work, plans, and responsibilities. “This is a precious gathering. Despite many inconveniences, we come with joy because what we offer is for God. We trust that He will shower His blessings upon us,” he said.

The programme included Holy Masses, thematic sessions, choreography and singing competitions, showcasing the community’s rich cultural and musical talents. The singing competition, in particular, stood out as a vibrant and memorable highlight, with each group displaying remarkable confidence, harmony, and precision.

The Congress featured talks by eminent speakers on topics such as Faith, Doctrine and Sacraments; the Role of Lay Leadership in the Catholic Church; Family as the Heart of the Church; and the Home as the School of Faith. Speakers consistently highlighted the need to live faith in everyday life, urging families and lay leaders to play an active role in building a vibrant and faith-filled Church.

Reflecting on the theme, Mr. Peter Khrasi, Chairman of the Congress, noted that enduring the severe winter cold and setting aside comfort to gather in faith itself was an expression of “faith in action.” He explained that faith must naturally lead to action and deepen through service to God. “Faith is belief without proof,” he said, encouraging participants to read the Word of God, learn the teachings of Christ, and grow in understanding Church history, the role of St. Peter, the continuity of the papacy, and the witness of the saints to strengthen Catholic identity.

A significant moment of the Congress was the presence of Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal, on the third day. Presiding over the solemn Eucharistic celebration, the Archbishop offered words of encouragement and inspiration in his homily, reflecting the shepherd’s care and closeness to his people.

Special awards were presented to three individuals who completed reading the Bible within a year, and to one individual who prayed 2,000 Rosaries. A special honour was also given to Athisa Magdeline of the Sisters of Charity, the first nun from the Mao community, who celebrated her Golden Jubilee of consecrated life this year.

Reflecting on the Congress, Fr. Adaziio Joachim, SDB, described it as “a living testimony of faith in action.” He said the gathering beautifully manifested communion as one People of God, united beyond differences in faith, hope, and charity. “It revealed the Church not merely as an assembly, but as a living body bound together in Christ,” he added.

Mrs. Lolia Mary, President of the Catholic Mao Women Association, praised the organisers for their dedication. She acknowledged the tireless efforts of the MCA leadership, local units, hosting parish, and volunteers, including moderators, logistics, medical, and reception teams, whose coordination ensured the Congress’s success.

The Mao Catholic Community

The Mao Catholic population numbers around 14,000, though other Christian denominations are more numerous in the region. The Catholic faith was first introduced to the Mao area in 1956 by Italian missionary Fr. Bianchi, SDB.

Today, the Mao community has 45 priests, 123 religious sisters, and notably, the Archbishop of Imphal himself belongs to the Mao tribe. In recent years, biblical scholars from the community completed the translation of the Catholic edition of the Bible, with ongoing work to translate key liturgical texts such as the Missal and Lectionary.