Leadership Training Paves the Way for Jubilee Year 2025 Celebrations

As part of the Jubilee Year 2025 initiative, the RVA Zo Service, in collaboration with the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Thomas Parish, Singngat, India, organized a one-day leadership training for all Catholic unit churches within the parish jurisdiction.

The event occurred on January 25, 2025, at the parish auditorium under the theme Jubilee Year 2025.

Patrick Lal, a newly ordained priest, delivered the opening address on "The Challenges Faced by Catholic Leaders."

He emphasized that leaders should be God-fearing and inclusive in all aspects of life.

He stated, “Being a leader in the Catholic community means guiding people towards the Church and fostering the development of the local church and parish.”

Father Lal, also highlighted the significance of social media in this era, stressing its potential to defend the Catholic community against false news and to share positive messages about the Church.

As many as 74 individuals from nine villages under St. Thomas Parish and five priests participated in the training.

Senior catechist Peter Kammang, aged 80, from Good Shepherd Parish, Lamka, served as one of the resource persons.

He shared insights into the history of St. Thomas Parish and the arrival of Catholicism in Churachandpur. He recounted how the parish initially encompassed more than 12 villages but dwindled to just six villages and 51 households due to inactive leadership and challenges faced by the Church. 

Reflecting on recent events, he spoke emotionally about the tragic Manipur conflict of May 3, 2024. He noted that while St. Joseph’s Parish in Sugnu was devastated by destroying Catholic villages, churches, and the parish itself, St. Thomas Parish experienced a resurgence as over 125 Catholic households migrated amidst the crisis.

“Worshipping together signifies that God is with us,” Peter said. "Jesus came to earth not to receive lavish treatment, but to be with us and save us all."

The goal of the training program was to empower church members to make informed decisions and prepare for a meaningful celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025 in grassroots churches.

Another speaker, Fr. Dyjo Mathew MCBS, in charge of the Behiang Centre, spoke on “Practical Evangelization: A Roadmap for Unit Churches.”

He reminded participants that every leader in the Church carries the responsibility of strengthening Catholic faith and community. “Jesus is the greatest evangelizer,” he said, “and leaders must guide the Church on the right path.”

He stressed the importance of understanding the conditions and challenges faced by others for effective evangelization.

The final speaker, Father Mung, the parish priest, drew inspiration from Leviticus 25 and Luke 4:16 to describe the Jubilee as a time of freedom from barriers to God. He outlined the Archdiocese of Imphal's plans for the Holy Year.

He encouraged parishioners to reflect on their roles in rebuilding the Church, particularly in light of the ethnic violence that led to the reopening of Good Shepherd Parish, Lamka, by the archbishop.

Participants shared their reflections on the training. Mrs. Rosyline Niang said, “This training has enhanced my understanding of how every individual is vital for the Church to remain strong. It helped me identify my strengths in serving the Church.”

Another participant added, “I am fortunate to have attended this training. I am returning home with renewed knowledge of my role in the Church and the motivation to lead my local unit with a positive spirit.”

The program began with an opening prayer, a welcome address, and an introduction by the parish priest. It concluded with a prayer led by Catechist Francis.

During the event, the newly established Catholic village of Belpuan was introduced to the parishioners. It was also announced that a major conference and the parish feast day would be held in July, as shared by Mr. Thomas Paupi, a PPC member, and Mr. James, the PPC vice president.