Suangphu: The Catholic community of Suangphu Village, located along the Indo-Myanmar border, marked a landmark moment in its spiritual journey with the dedication of St. Peter Catholic Church, celebrating five decades of continuous Catholic presence in what is widely regarded as Manipur’s last Catholic village.
The description “last Catholic village” highlights Suangphu’s unique place in the ecclesial history of the state, as the only village where a Catholic community has endured without interruption despite its remote location and the challenges of living in a sensitive border region. The jubilee celebrations stood as a powerful testimony to the perseverance and resilience of faith nurtured over generations.
The Golden Jubilee drew large gatherings of the faithful from across Manipur and neighbouring regions of Myanmar, underlining the deep spiritual and cultural ties shared across the border. The church dedication and Holy Eucharistic celebration were led by Fr. Paul Ngaoni, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Imphal, and concelebrated by priests from both India and Myanmar. Religious sisters and representatives from surrounding parishes also joined in the solemn liturgy.
The jubilee was celebrated under the biblical theme, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5), reflecting the community’s enduring faith amid trials and isolation. In his homily, Fr. Ngaoni reminded the faithful that every baptized Christian is called to be a living temple of God. He described the jubilee as a celebration of God’s unfailing fidelity and encouraged the community to remain united, bearing witness to the Gospel through their everyday lives.
St. Peter Catholic Church traces its pastoral roots to the Good Shepherd Parish, Churachandpur, which was later reorganized as St. Thomas Parish, Singngat. Since 2025, the community has been under the pastoral care of the MCBS Fathers, functioning as St. Mary’s Behiang Mission Centre.
Addressing the gathering, Fr. Dyjo Mathew, MCBS, Priest-in-Charge of the Behiang Mission Centre, said the dedication went beyond the consecration of a physical structure. He noted that it symbolized the offering of the lives of the faithful themselves to Christ and called upon the community to continue growing as a vibrant Church rooted in faith, service, and commitment.
The Catholic faith in Suangphu took root through the courage and dedication of early believers, whose steadfast witness over decades transformed the village into a centre of evangelization. From Suangphu emerged several mission stations and churches, including St. Daniel’s, Vapar, and St. Michael’s, Kawlbem in Mizoram, demonstrating the community’s far-reaching missionary impact.
The dedication of St. Peter Catholic Church and the celebration of the Golden Jubilee mark a defining chapter in the history of the Church in Manipur, honouring a half-century of unwavering faith and recognizing the enduring contribution of the Suangphu community to Catholic life in the border region.