Chrism Mass celebrated at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Imphal

Imphal, April 15: The Catholic Church in Manipur under the Archdiocese of Imphal observed and celebrated the Chrism Mass on Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Mantripukhri in Imphal.

Celebrated every year during the Holy Week, the day began with the Joint Recollection of Priests and Religious at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Mantripukhri Imphal from 9:30 AM onwards on Tuesday. Fr. Paul Ngaoni, Chancellor, introduced and welcomed the priests and nuns stating that the day was set apart for a sacred pause and also for our hearts to rekindle and strengthen their vocation.

The day’s recollection was preached by Most. Rev. Dr. Linus Neli, Archbishop of Imphal. The Archbishop spoke on the theme ‘Let us walk together’ speaking in line with the year of Hope. He encouraged collaborative ministry missions and also deepening of spirituality as priests and religious.
After the talk, priests and nuns celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation and spent time in adoration of the blessed sacrament.

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The solemn Chrism mass began at 5:30 PM in the presence of the faithful.

Welcoming the congregation, Fr. Varghese Vellickakkam, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Imphal, highlighted the importance of the auspicious day and said that the Chrism Mass symbolised the unity of the bishop with his Presbyterium.

Archbishop Dr. Linus Neli was the main celebrant and in his homily he reminded the priests to cherish their ordination day, on which they were ordained as a priest of God for the service of humanity. He exhorted the priests to use our hands and energy in the service of the Lord and the people wholeheartedly.

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Traditionally, three oils are blessed during the yearly the Chrism mass which are oil of Catechumens, oil of the sick and oil of Chrism. The day also marks the priesthood day where priests renew their commitment to priestly service.

After the mass the priests were felicitated with songs and gifts for their service and sacrifices. It was a joyous sight to witness 2 Archbishops, 145 priests, 250+ nuns and numerous numbers of laity come together to mark the special annual feature.