Mao Catholic bodies felicitate new Imphal Archbishop

Our Correspondent
SENAPATI, Jan 14: Mao Catholic Association (MCA) along with Mao Catholic Women Association (MCWA), Mao Catholic Catechist Association (MCCA) and Mao Catholic Youth Organisation (MCYO) felicitated the new Archbishop of Imphal Dr Linus Neli DD at St Mary's Church, Punanamei, Mao.
The day began with Eucharistic celebration presided by the new Archbishop and co-celebrated by 18 other priests. Fr Jose Karippai, the Parish Priest of St Mary's Parish, Punanamei welcomed all the priests, religious, special dignitaries and people from different churches of Mao area, Imphal, Kohima and Dimapur.
The new Archbishop, in his homily, stressed on the need to stand firm and be rooted in their calling as Christians. After the Eucharistic celebration, the MCA organised a short felicitation program for the newly elected Archbishop and also all the Mao Fathers and Sisters (Ememei Oravokosomei) who have completed their silver jubilee.
Adani Joseph, president MCA and Elaa, president MCWA and Fr John Kashiiprii, the 1st Mao priest, extended their greetings and congratulated the new Archbishop.
Beautiful choreography and melodious songs were presented by St Mary's Parish, Punanamei, St Xavier's Parish, Makhan, St Francis De Sales Parish, Kangpokpi and St Joseph's Parish, Tadubi. Dignitaries present included Mao Council president Athikho Joseph, former presidents of MCA and various Mao church leaders.
There are 40 priests and 118 religious sisters from the Mao community.