Chakpikarong: In a moment filled with deep faith, emotion, and hope, the long-awaited St. John’s Catholic Church in Y. Khutha village, under St. Joseph’s Parish, Sugnu, was solemnly inaugurated and blessed on October 8 by Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Lumon, D.D., of Imphal. The newly consecrated church stands as a historic symbol of resilience and renewal, marking a new chapter for the Catholic community in the Chakpikarong region of Chandel District, an area where Catholics form a small minority amid a predominantly non-Catholic population.
For decades, the Catholic faithful of Y. Khutha village longed for a sacred space to call their own a spiritual home where they could gather in prayer and fellowship. That dream was finally realized with the inauguration of St. John’s Church, which also carries profound emotional significance as the first and only Catholic church in the Chakpikarong area.
The parish of St. Joseph’s, Sugnu, to which the new church belongs, had suffered a devastating blow when it was burnt down during the 2023 violence in Manipur. In this context, the dedication of St. John’s stands as a powerful testament to the community’s enduring faith and courage.
The day began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Lumon, with Fr. Roy Joseph, SVD, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s, Sugnu, and ten concelebrating priests from neighboring parishes. The liturgy was imbued with a spirit of thanksgiving, reverence, and renewal.
In his homily, Archbishop Lumon reflected on the Word of God as the light of every believer’s journey, saying, “One cannot journey in darkness without light; likewise, the Word of God must be the light guiding our life’s journey.” He emphasized the sacredness of the Altar as the symbol of Christ’s eternal sacrifice, reminding the congregation that “every Mass is not a repetition but a re-presentation of that sacrifice.”
One of the most moving aspects of the inauguration was the spirit of interdenominational harmony demonstrated by members of the local Baptist Church, who actively participated in preparing for the dedication ceremony. Their gesture of goodwill rekindled memories of mutual cooperation years earlier, when Catholics assisted during the dedication of the Baptist church. This exchange of support serves as an inspiring model of unity in diversity, strengthening community bonds across denominational lines.
Addressing the faithful, Fr. Roy Joseph, SVD, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the construction of the new church. “This church stands as a testament to our deep faith in Jesus Christ, our unity, and our generosity. All of you have sacrificed your time, talent, and resources for this sacred place. I strongly believe that the merciful Lord will reward your faithfulness,” he said. He also urged the congregation to remember and honour their elders who had sown the first seeds of Catholic faith in Y. Khutha.
Local catechist W.L. John echoed this sentiment, describing the achievement as a miracle of divine providence. “With just a household of 23, it is indeed the hand of God that we could build such a beautiful place of worship,” he said, expressing awe and gratitude for the faith that carried the community through adversity.
The inauguration was not only a religious milestone but also a cultural celebration. The day’s programme included traditional songs, dances, and choreographies performed by local groups, showcasing the region’s vibrant cultural heritage. During the felicitation ceremony, individuals and families who had supported the church’s construction were honoured for their dedication and service.
The joyful occasion brought together 11 priests, four religious sisters, catechists, village chiefs, civil society leaders, pastors from other denominations, and hundreds of faithful from neighboring villages all united in gratitude and celebration.
Today, the 23 Catholic families of Y. Khutha and Anal Khunou stand as steadfast witnesses of faith, courage, and perseverance. The newly blessed St. John’s Church now serves as a spiritual refuge and symbol of Christian endurance in the heart of Manipur’s hills proof that faith can rebuild what violence tried to destroy.
As the church bells rang across Y. Khutha on that sacred morning, they carried with them not only the sound of celebration but also the enduring message of hope, reconciliation, and divine grace a message that will continue to echo through the valleys of Chakpikarong for generations to come.