Joldam mission becomes St. Vincent Parish in Manipur

On February 6, Archbishop Dominic Lumon of Imphal raised a mission centre to a parish church in Joldam, Khengjoy Block of Chandel District in Manipur, in eastern India. The archbishop handed over the parish to the Congregation of the Mission (CM).

Father Lourdhusamy and Catheist Jacob Khongsai were incredibly honored during the ceremony on the historic occasion.  Joldam Mission is the fruit of their sincere love for the poor of the area and their steadfast commitment to their cause.

For the past 25 years, Father Lourdhusamy, the parish priest of St. George Parish, Moreh, and Jacob Khongsai, the touring catechist of Moreh Parish, offered dedicated service for the growth of the Church in Manipur.

In September 1998, Lourdhusamy requested Father Basil to stay in Joldam and help him develop Joldam along with Catechist Jacob.  Father Basil had come to Moreh with a view of exploring the possibility of opening a Mission in Myanmar.

After almost two decades of hard work, St. Vincent School began in February 2019. Father John Khongsai, another CM Priest, joined Fr. Basil and rendered his service to develop the area in 2021. Two Servite sisters from Tamu helped for two years.

Despite the Covid restrictions, the strong faith leaders of  Joldam attended to the needs of the school children and the spiritual needs of the people.

During the eucharistic celebration, Archbishop Dominic Lumon administrated the sacrament of confirmation to 50 candidates.

The following persons graced the event: Father Jose N., the Provincial in charge of the North Indian Province of the Congregation of the Mission,  Father Sebastian Mali, the Regional Superior of the North East Region, Father Lourdusamy, the parish priest of St. George Parish, Moreh. And Victor Parish Priest St. Joseph’s Church, Sugnu. Other priests, nuns, catechists, Border Area Chiefs Association representatives, Kuki Students Organisation, and Church Leaders attended the event.