India: A Priest leads chrism Mass for Kuki Zo clerics

A priest, representing a bishop, celebrated Chrism Mass with the Kuki-Zo Priests at the Devine Glory Retreat Centre, Zoumun, northeast Indian state, on March 26. 

Due to ongoing ethnic violence in the northeast Indian state of Manipur, these priests were hindered from attending the Prieshood Day Mass at the Cathedral Church of Imphal.

In the Northeast State of Manipur, there was an occurrence of ethnic conflict this year between the Meitei and Tribal Kuki-Zo, marking the first time such an incident has taken place.

Father CM Joseph, who traveled far from Imphal amid the violence, presided over the Chrism Mass for Kuki-Zo priests. Father Mathew Mundoly, a retired priest, then gave recollection talks.

Father Mundoly highlighted the importance of preaching the words of God in and out of season, especially during this trying time of Manipur violence.

He appealed for prayers for vocations and to the priesthood of religious life for service to the Lord's Vineyard.

‘’Even the animals and plants like to hear the words of God and they experience the power,” he said.

More than twenty religious nuns, ten priests, and a few laymen from Kuki-Zo joined in this Chrism Mass and Recollection Talk.

Priesthood Day is a time to affirm the priesthood in the life of the  Catholic Church.

On the same day, nuns and congregations joined archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal in celebrating Priesthood Day at the Cathedral Church in Imphal with his priests.

 "A special day to honor men serving as priests, Priesthood Day also recognizes all religions and emphasizes vocations, " said Archbishop Neli in his homily. 

During this gathering, the devout Catholic members conveyed their gratitude towards their priests.