Hungpung was the first Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (SABS) foundation in Northeast India and the first mission established outside Kerala since the congregation’s founding in 1908.
EKHON
Hungpung, 2 November 2025: The Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (SABS) celebrated the 60th anniversary of their mission in Hungpung with a thanksgiving ceremony at Sacred Heart Church. St. Thomas Convent in Hungpung in Manipur’s Ukhrul district was the first SABS foundation in Northeast India and the first mission established outside Kerala since the congregation’s founding in 1908.
The celebration was graced by Most Rev. Linus Neli, Archbishop of Imphal, Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, Archbishop Emeritus of Imphal, and Rev. Mother Joyce Thekkumkattil SABS, Provincial Superior Corpus Christi Province Dimapur. Also present were 44-AC MLA Ramnganing Muivah, local leaders, priests, religious, and well-wishers.
Marking six decades of dedicated service in education, pastoral ministry, and social outreach, the Sisters were lauded for their unwavering commitment, missionary zeal, and contributions to the growth of the local Church.
Archbishop Linus Neli in his speech traced the roots of the Catholic Church in Manipur. He said, “When missionaries sought permission from the Meitei Maharaja, they were told they could go to the hills — and thus, the first official Catholic mission was founded in Hundung, now Hungpung, in 1952. On February 11, 1952, Hungpung was officially declared the first Catholic community in Manipur. Though missionaries and Catholics were already present in the region, this marked the first official record.”
The Archbishop’s recollection highlighted Hungpung’s historic role as the birthplace of the Catholic faith in the state and the foundation upon which decades of missionary service were built.
Thirteen years later, in 1965–66, missionary Sisters from South India arrived. While priests were already serving, the coming of Sisters brought great joy. The first three congregations to begin their missions outside Kerala were the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (SABS), the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC), and the Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC).
Archbishop Linus Neli reflected on the SABS Sisters’ six-decade journey of faith and service, commending them for their steadfast collaboration with the diocese.
“You have been big sisters to our diocesan clergy and great supporters of our mission,” he said. “The Church has grown because of your generous contribution.”
He praised the congregation’s openness to change, noting how they embraced local vocations despite initial differences in rites. “Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you became a dynamic and indigenous community,” he said, urging them to “keep the charism always attractive and young.”
Archbishop Emeritus Dominic Lumon paid a heartfelt tribute to the pioneering Sisters who faced immense hardships in their early years.
“Sisters, in those days you were travelling in a ship called hardship,” he recalled. “You landed in one of the coldest places in Manipur, facing untold suffering due to the harsh weather. Until 1979, there were no private vehicles—you walked to and from the convent and school through rain and shine.”
Expressing gratitude on behalf of past and present Church leaders, he said, “You stand today as a testament to the faith and courage of your predecessors. God does not waste pain and suffering; He transforms it. Today, we see vibrant young Sisters in the congregation — a wonderful gift from God.”
MLA Ramnganing Muivah, a former student of St. Thomas and Sacred Heart, lauded the Sisters for their six decades of dedicated service in the region. “Today is your day. Sixty years is no small feat,” he said. “You have rendered selfless service to St. Thomas Convent, Sacred Heart Church, and to this part of the world.”
Recalling their arduous journey from Kerala, he noted, “You came from a tropical land with no winter to one of the coldest places in Manipur, travelling 11 days to an unknown place. I often wonder what must have gone through your minds.”
Expressing gratitude on behalf of generations of students, he added, “I am one of your beneficiaries. Your service is truly unmatched and unparalleled.”
In a lighter vein, he remarked, “The highest tribute to the Sisters doesn’t just come from Catholics, but the matrimonial pages of The Hindu and Times of India show your impact — the most sought-after brides are convent-educated. That speaks volumes about your contribution.”
Rev. Mother Joyce Thekkumkattil SABS, reflected on the humble and faith-filled beginnings of the mission. “It is with deep joy and heartfelt gratitude that I stand before you today as we celebrate 60 years of faith, dedication, and service — a journey that has touched countless lives and built a community rooted in love,” she said.
After 60 years in the region, the province has grown steadily, now comprising 35 communities serving across four dioceses, with 213 Sisters — 133 of whom are from the Northeast. Of these, six communities are in Manipur. We take great pride that many of our former students have embraced priestly and religious life, continuing the mission of the Lord — a true testament to the strong foundation of faith and formation built here, said Rev. Mother Joyce Thekkumkattil.
Sr. Agatha Phamnitin SABS, Superior of St. Thomas Convent, Hungpung, recalled how the mission began in 1965 at the invitation of Most Rev. Hubert D’Rosario, then Bishop of Dibrugarh. Six pioneering Sisters from the Pala Province — Sr. Felicula, Sr. Annie Paul, Sr. Gladys, Sr. Sales Maria, Sr. Marianose, and Sr. Elvira — accompanied by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Cherucherry, journeyed 11 days to Manipur.
“With hearts ablaze and trust in the Eucharistic Lord, they stepped into an unfamiliar land, sowing seeds of love and service,” she said. Despite the harsh climate and scarce resources, “these brave missionaries embraced every challenge with faith and radiant love.”
In conclusion, she said, “Through prayer, education, healthcare, and pastoral care, the Sisters sowed seeds of hope and transformation. Sixty years ago, they brought the light of faith, the warmth of compassion, and the strength of humble service.”
Mawon Chahong from Parish Pastoral Council and Isaiah Phachang,Chairman, Sacred Heart Church Committee also conveyed their heartfelt tribute to the Sisters for their profound contribution.
The event was marked by performances from students, youth and women society of Sacred Heart Church, Hungpung.
