Imphal: On the demise of Most Rev. Joseph Mittathany, Archbishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of Imphal, on July 11 at CMC hospital, Koirengei in Imphal, the United Naga Council (UNC) said that it was a great loss for the people of Manipur regardless of religions, denominations and churches.
In a condolence message, S Kho John, president of the United Naga Council (UNC), said that Most Rev. Joseph Mittathany was a “real social reformer and a pioneer educationist”. Kho John also said that Most Rev. Joseph Mittathany came from Kerala “to volunteer and serve the newly installed Archdiocese of Imphal in the Northeast in the 1980s”. He was the first Bishop of Imphal Diocese and went on to become the Archbishop of Imphal Diocese and served the Archdiocese till his retirement in 2006, the UNC president stated.
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According to the UNC leader, during Most Rev. Joseph Mittathany’s episcopal life of 15 years as Bishop and 11 years as Archbishop of Imphal Diocese, he was confronted with many hostile situations and unfriendly environments. “However, Most Rev. Joseph Mittathany could overcome all odds and finally won the race”, the UNC president added.
The condolence message then said, “The UNC joins with the Archdiocese of Imphal, the faithful particularly to his Grace Most Rev. Dominic Lumon, Archbishop of Imphal in sharing the loss and vacuum that is to be left to the Archdiocese”. The message added, “The UNC assures you all our moral and prayer support to the Diocese. May the good Lord rest him in eternal peace”.
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