The long-cherished dream of the Catholic faithful of Simveng, in Churachandpur District, southern Manipur, became a reality with the blessing and inauguration of the newly constructed St. Paul’s Chapel, coinciding with the celebration of its Silver Jubilee, under Good Shepherd Parish, Lamka, on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
The solemn Holy Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Paul Lelen, Priest-in-Charge, Don Bosco College, Lamka, and concelebrated by Fr. Mark Aimeng, Associate Priest; Fr. George Ginsei Baite, Parish Priest, St. Teresa, Tuaitengphai; Fr. Lourdhasamy, Parish Priest, St. Mary’s, Tuibuang; Fr. Robert Faustin Ralte, SDB, Divine Glory Retreat Centre, Zoumun; Fr. Athanasius Mung, Parish Priest, St. Thomas, Singngat; Fr. Stephen Baite, Principal, Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School, Lamka; and Fr. Samuel Naulak, in the presence of parish leaders, local church authorities, and faithful from across the Good Shepherd Parish.
The celebration was held under the inspiring biblical theme: “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
In his homily, Fr. Samuel Naulak highlighted the significance of the Jubilee Year and encouraged the Catholic faithful of Simveng to embrace forgiveness, unity, and reconciliation. He urged them to move forward together for the greater glory of God and the growth of the Church.
St. Paul’s Chapel is located in an area where other Christian denominations form the majority. The Catholic community of Simveng began from very humble origins, with just nine households from different localities on June 3, 2001. The pioneers of the chapel were Mark Kaikhogin, Lawrence Amchinmang, Aloysius Chinzalam, James Kamtungpao, John Ginsuanmang, Barnabas Thongkam, Albert Kamminthang, Thomas Thangsuanmang, and Joseph Nangkhanpao.
In his felicitation address, Fr. Mark Aimeng congratulated the St. Paul’s Chapel community for spreading the Catholic faith in what was once an unexpected and unfamiliar place. He described the faithful as resilient and deeply committed, noting that their journey sets a very good example for other Catholic communities.
Recalling his earlier years in Good Shepherd Parish, Fr. Aimeng shared that there were once no Catholics in Simveng. He praised the remarkable growth of the community and commended the faithful for building such a beautiful church. He encouraged them to continue moving forward in faith and evangelization, emphasizing that the gathering was not merely to admire the structure but to rejoice in the Silver Jubilee and the living faith of the people.
In the early years, prayer and worship services were conducted house to house. Major celebrations such as Christmas, Easter, and other important feasts were often held at John Ginsuanmang's reside Bible Hill, Rengkai. On May 4, 2004, the community rented a house for common worship at the residence of Thomas Thangsuanmang, where services continued for 13 years until 2017.
From its humble beginning of nine households, the Catholic community of Simveng has now grown to about 100 members across 30 households, marking the Jubilee Year with the blessing of their new church.
While unveiling the St. Paul’s Chapel Silver Jubilee Souvenir, Fr. Paul Lelen reflected that Lamka is a blessed land, free from floods and landslides, but cautioned that human hearts can still experience spiritual floods and landslides. He called upon the faithful to cultivate goodness of heart and embrace spiritual renewal during this Jubilee Year.
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