India: Zou Catholic Union Trains Lay Leaders to Strengthen Faith Amid Ethnic Tensions

In response to the ongoing ethnic tensions and political uncertainty in Manipur, northeast India, the Zou Catholic Union Manipur organized a three-day intensive training program for lay leaders aimed at strengthening and safeguarding the Catholic faith within their communities.

The program was held from March 6 to 8, 2026, at St. Luke Unit Church under the Good Shepherd Parish in Lamka.

More than 50 lay leaders from the Zou Catholic community took part in the training, including women and youth leaders representing various church units across the hill districts of Manipur.

The training featured several clergy members as resource persons, including Fr. Athew Mathew, Parish Priest of Good Shepherd Parish, Lamka; Fr. Stephen Baite, Principal of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Lamka; Fr. Mung, Parish Priest of St. Thomas Parish, Singngat; Fr. George Ginsei Baite, Parish Priest of St. Teresa Parish, Tuitengphai; Fr. Samy, Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Parish, Tuibuang; and Fr. Mark Aimeng, Associate Priest of Tuibuang Parish.

A key component of the program involved group activities in which participants designed symbols reflecting their aspirations for leadership. The sessions offered opportunities for learning, reflection, and spiritual growth, with a strong emphasis on leadership rooted in Christ.

The training concluded with a Holy Mass on March 8, presided over by Fr. Mung. The celebration coincided with International Women’s Day. In his homily, Fr. Mung reflected on the significant role of women in the history of the Church and the Bible, noting that women can hold important leadership roles that contribute to the growth of the Church and the strengthening of faith in the community.

He also emphasized that the Catholic Church carries a global mission, connecting believers across the world, and that women play a vital role in spreading the Good News and promoting peace and harmony in society.

The Zou Catholic Union, officially recognized by the Archdiocese of Imphal, works to promote and defend the faith of the Zou Catholic community in Manipur. Its leadership is currently chaired by Catechist Peter Kammang, an 80-year-old veteran catechist and one of the longest-serving lay leaders in the community.

Organizers said the training aimed to help Catholic lay leaders address current challenges, encourage reflection on their mission, and foster church growth through transparency, effective leadership, and stronger relationships within the faith community.