EKHON | Imphal: At the attainment of 75 years and superannuation of the reigning Archbishop Rev. Dominic Lumon DD, Archbishop of Imphal, the Catholic head Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fr. Dr. Linus Neli as the new Archbishop to lead the Catholic Church in Manipur, a statement released from the Archdiocese of Imphal said.
The announcement was said to made public in Rome on Saturday, 7th October 2023 at noon local time corresponding to 15.30 hours IST. The 66 years old Archbishop Elect hails from Punanamai village, Senapati District and is a well respected figure in the church and social circles.
Rev Fr. Linus Neli who is presently the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish and Principal of Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, Hungpung, Ukhrul District holds a Doctorate in Canon Law (Rome), a Master’s Degree in Human Rights and a Diploma in Jurisprudence (Westminster, London) and is an author of several books and articles in reputed ecclesiastical and international journals.
Ordained a priest for the Catholic Church in 1984, he has served the church in Manipur at various capacities including being the Vicar General, Chancellor and Parish Priest of several Parishes. He served as an Associate Director, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, Administrator, Caritas India, Delhi and as Rector of the Regional Theologate at Shillong.
The Catholic Church with a modest presence of about one lakh members in Manipur is a formidable and significant contributor in the educational, social and healthcare sector in the State.
The Archbishop is the head of the Archdiocese and the news of the appointment of yet another local person as the Archbishop to lead the Catholic Church in Manipur comes as a happy news to the church members.
Rev Fr Linus Neli will be conferred Episcopal ordination and will take full charge of the Archdiocese of Imphal very soon.
