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TMB Report
Imphal: Most Rev. Dr. Linus Neli, DD became the 3rd Archbishop of Imphal after an Episcopal Ordination ceremony held at St. John Bosco Parish, Maram Khunou, Senapati DHQ.
It may be noted that the newly ordained Archbishop of Imphal is the first from Senapati district to make it to Vatican’s approval in heading a vast diocese of Catholic faithfuls, churches and different congregations in Manipur.
Retired and Outgoing Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, DD, Archbishop Emeritus was the Chief Consecrator while Archbishop of Guwahati Most Rev. John Moolacchira, DD and Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev. James Thoppil, DD were the Co-consecrators. The Episcopal Ordination was held in the presence of Leopoldo Girelli who is the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal.
Most. Rev. Dr. Linus Neli, DD was born on April 26, 1958 at Punanamei village, Senapati district. He belongs to Papal Seminary, Pune and took priestly ordination on December 20, 1984. Apart from various appointments in his life, he was elected Archbishop of Imphal on October 7, 2023 and Episcopal Consecration on December 8, Friday.
During the ordination, the chief Consecrator led the rites of ordination of a Bishop, presentation of the Bishop elect, reading of the apostolic letter, Homily, Promise of the elect and litany of the saints.
Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal in his speech urged for overall growth spiritually, faith and growth for mission as a witness for people of God. He exhorted the gathering to be steward of faith.
The Cardinal expressed sadness over the tense situation in the State since the last seven months, calling upon the people to work together and pray for peace in the State.
A grand felicitation and cultural session followed at the later part of the programme.
In his speech, the new Archbishop of Imphal expressed gladness with the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal who has brought great blessings to people of the region in need of peace and normal life in the State.
“As a great pastor and as an ambassador of peace, His Excellency have diligently worked for the smooth succession and continuation of the metropolitan sea of Imphal Archdiocese,” Linus said.
The Archbishop of Imphal expressed gratitude to all for the support and encouragement extended in every possible way. He thanked all guest dignitaries coming from far and near to participate in the program, church leaders, social leaders, and everyone who witnessed the programme.
Commendation notes from different Archbishops of different States all over the country, Outer Manipur MP, MLAs and other organisations were read out in the later part of the programme.
In the programme, four Archbishops, 14 bishops, 240 priests, 500 nuns from all over the Northeast States and more than 10,000 delegates from all over the Northeast were in attendance.
