On July 6, 2025, the faithful of St. Thomas Church, Singngat, in Manipur, northeastern India, celebrated Parish Day. The celebration was part of a three-day conference held from July 4 to 7, focusing on the renewal of Catholic faith in the region.
The Parish Day began with a Holy Mass presided over by Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal, and concelebrated by eight priests from various parishes.
During the Mass, Archbishop Neli administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to sixty parishioners and gave First Holy Communion to fifty children from the parish.
The celebration was especially meaningful for many parishioners who had migrated to Singngat after experiencing ethnic violence in other parts of Manipur. The event uplifted the spirits of the faithful and reaffirmed their sense of community and hope.
In his homily, Archbishop Neli emphasized that faith in God gives people the strength to endure — and sometimes even overcome — the hardships they face. “When we endure suffering with meaning, it shapes our character,” he said. “A stronger character deepens our appreciation of life and renews our hope in God.”
“Hope, faith, and love represent the highest calling in the Christian life,” the archbishop affirmed. He praised the congregation’s strong and enduring faith, noting that despite more than two years of suffering due to ethnic conflict, the faithful continued to gather to worship and receive the sacraments.
Archbishop Neli reminded the faithful that many saints faced suffering and persecution, yet never gave up their faith. “Instead, they contributed to the spread of Christianity, which today is the world’s largest religion,” he said. “Suffering brings us closer to God and heaven,” he added.
The celebration drew a large number of parishioners, along with neighboring parish priests and senior church officials from the Archdiocese of Imphal.
The day-long event also included various competitions organized by the Parish Pastoral Council, adding a joyful and engaging element to the celebration.
The Parish Day concluded with a renewed commitment among the faithful to live out their Catholic faith with courage, unity, and joy.
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