EKHON| UKHRUL: In one of the largest religious gathering of Catholic faithful in Manipur in recent times, Reverend Father Linus Neli, 66 was consecrated as the Archbishop of Archdiocese of Imphal, Manipur during an episcopal ordination ceremony held Friday at St John Bosco Parish in Senapati district.
Held in the presence of His Excellency Leopoldo Girelli, who is the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, the episcopal ordination ceremony saw Most Rev Dominic Lumon, DD Archbishop Emeritus serving as Bishop Neli’s chief consecrator while Archbishop of Guwahati Most Rev John Moolachira, DD and Bishop of Kohima Most Rev James Thoppil, DD as the co-consecrators.
The order of the rite of ordination of a Bishop included, presentation of the Archbishop elect, reading of the Apostolic letter, the Homily, the promise of the elect and recitation of the Litany of the Saints.
While, the religious event was originally planned to be held at St John Bosco Parish ground the incessant rainfall compelled the ritual to conduct inside the Church attended by family members of Archbishop elect Rev Dr Linus Neli along with religious leaders and special invitees with live telecast for the delegates outside the ground.
In his short remark, His Excellency Leopoldo Girelli said he is very pleased to be with the people in this joyful occasion of the episcopal ordination of Archbishop Rev Fr. Linus Neli as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Imphal and for the gift of the new Chief Pastor.
The Nuncio also addressed his concern over the outbreak of violence in Manipur, saying, “With much sorrow, I have learned about the unprecedented violence and unrest that has seriously affected the people of the state. It’s so heartbreaking to learn of so many people who have been killed, thousands who have been left homeless and numerous churches and institutions that have been destroyed or damaged. The catholic church is committed to repeat the peace in the society in Manipur fostering reconciliation and mutual respect.
“Peace needs justice. There will be no peace in Manipur, if true justice and legality will not prevail, so let us work together in promoting this path. Let us pray for and work for peace in Manipur, he further added.
The Nuncio hoped that Archbishop Neli will always strive to foster communion and reach out in charity to the flock of Christ.
Meanwhile, the newly consecrated Archbishop Most Rev Dr Linus Neli extended his gratitude to His Excellency Leopoldo Girelli for his presence, his words of kindness, his apostolic blessings and for the blessings of the Holy father Pope Francis and wished him a safe return to his Apostolic.
Despite unpleasant weather condition and unrest in the State, thousands of Catholic faiths, Church leaders from different districts of Manipur and across Northeastern states attended the episcopal ordination ceremony of Archbishop Most Rev Dr Linus Neli. Ukhrul sitting MLA Ramnganing Muivah, former legislator Francis Ngajokpa among others also attended the religious ceremony.
