India: North-Eastern Parish celebrates feast day; over 200 children receive sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation

St. Mary’s Parish in Tuibuang, in the Archdiocese of Imphal, Manipur, marked its Feast Day with a solemn Eucharistic celebration that drew thousands of parishioners and pilgrims from across the region.

The celebration was held under the theme “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises” (Psalm 98:4).

Archbishop Linus Neli, who presided over the Mass with nine concelebrating priests, reflected in his homily on the “fire of Jesus” that brings warmth, light, and transformation to Christian life. He described this fire as a spiritual presence that purifies believers from sin, unites communities, and strengthens faith.

“By embracing the fire of Jesus, we are baptized in His name and purified,” Archbishop Neli said. “This belief strengthens unity within families and society.”

The liturgy was further enriched by the participation of 20 religious sisters and a large parish choir under the direction of Sir John Guite, whose hymns added depth and solemnity to the celebration.

A highlight of the Feast Day was the administration of the sacraments: 117 children received their First Holy Communion, while 106 parishioners received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Archbishop urged the newly confirmed and the faithful to live by God’s Word and allow Scripture to inspire their daily lives.

In his concluding remarks, Archbishop Neli encouraged families to root their unity in Christ, warning that division can arise when faith is neglected.

Once a small community, St. Mary’s Parish has grown steadily over the years, welcoming faithful from Tuibuang, Sugnu, Imphal, and other parts of the state. Parishioners said this year’s Feast Day was not only a celebration of growth but also a reminder to keep the light of Christ burning within families and communities.