Churachandpur, 22 August 2026: Around 40 religious men and women representing almost every religious community in the Churachandpur area gathered at Assisi Home, Tuibong, on Saturday for the first-ever CRI Manipur – Churachandpur Zonal Meeting. Held under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Rebuilding Communion in Christ,” the gathering became a significant moment of fraternity, listening and renewed commitment to the Church’s mission in a region deeply affected by the conflict since May 2023.
Presided over by Rev. Fr. Benny James SDB, President of CRI Manipur, the meeting brought together religious from different congregations for prayer, reflection, sharing of experiences and discussion on possible areas of collaboration.
The gathering opened with an invocation by Fr. Benny James, followed by a welcome address by Sr. Anto Maria FCC, Superior of Assisi Home, Tuibong. Welcoming the participants, Sr. Anto Maria expressed her joy at hosting the first CRI gathering in Churachandpur.
In his presidential address, Fr. Benny James described the gathering as more than an organisational meeting, calling it a witness to “love and communion” at a time when society continues to experience division and uncertainty. Reflecting on Acts 4:32 — “The whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul” — he encouraged the religious to strengthen fraternity and collaboration across congregational boundaries.
Speaking about the educational mission of religious communities, he emphasised the need to form young people not only intellectually but also morally and emotionally. “If in our schools we educate minds, we must also educate hearts,” he said, urging religious educators to form compassionate, responsible and humane young people capable of becoming instruments of peace and reconciliation.
Sr. Esther FCC, the Master of Ceremonies, coordinated the programme, while Sr. Arpita Therese SMMI, Secretary of CRI Manipur, presented an overview of CRI activities and initiatives.
Three Years of Journey, Faith and Resilience
A major highlight of the gathering was the sharing of experiences from the past three years. Sr. Alphonse Maria FCC, Sr. Joyce Maria FCC and Sr. Teslin SH reflected on the challenges faced by their communities and the people they serve since the outbreak of the conflict in May 2023.
Their sharing touched on displacement, uncertainty, emotional and pastoral challenges, and the struggle to continue their mission amid difficult circumstances. At the same time, they spoke of the sources of strength that sustained them — prayer, community support, mutual care, faith and the grace of God.
The participants also reflected on how CRI could become more meaningful and relevant in the present context by strengthening communication, fraternity and practical collaboration among religious congregations.
“Conflict Can Also Become an Opportunity for Evangelisation”
The gathering received another significant perspective from Fr. Athanasius Mung, a diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Imphal. Drawing from his experience of accompanying people affected by the conflict, he urged the religious to look beyond a sense of victimhood and recognise the present situation as an opportunity for mission.
He particularly highlighted the need to respond to the challenges of livelihood, education, healthcare, counselling, emotional support and pastoral accompaniment. He also encouraged the religious to seize opportunities for evangelisation and vocation promotion in the present circumstances rather than waiting for complete normalcy to return.
His reflections led to a broader discussion on possible collaborative initiatives that CRI could undertake in the future.
Towards a Collaborative Mission
During the open discussion, participants proposed several practical areas for collaboration, including medical assistance, counselling and emotional support, livelihood initiatives and better coordination of resources available in the religious communities.
The discussions emphasised the importance of moving beyond individual congregational efforts and exploring ways of responding collectively to the needs of the people.
Sr. Elin Paul FCC was subsequently elected as the Secretary of the CRI Churachandpur Zone. The gathering also decided to hold another zonal programme in December 2026, with details to be finalised later.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Sr. Philomena DC, Executive of the Mara area, followed by a closing prayer led by Sr. Cicy CMC, Executive of the Imphal area. Fr. Joseph MCBS led the prayer before the meal.
The FCC Sisters of Assisi Home, Tuibong, hosted the gathering and generously prepared the fellowship meal. The organisers expressed their gratitude to the community for its warm hospitality and to all the religious who travelled from different places and participated actively in the meeting.
A Sign of Hope
For many participants, the gathering represented more than the resumption of a CRI programme in Churachandpur. It was a tangible sign that communion can be rebuilt even amid conflict and division.
The meeting provided an opportunity for religious to listen to one another, acknowledge shared challenges, celebrate resilience and begin discerning new forms of collaboration. With the spirit of “One Heart and One Soul”, the CRI Churachandpur gathering has opened a new chapter of fraternity and mission, as the religious continue their journey as Pilgrims of Hope, seeking to rebuild communion in Christ and serve the people of Manipur with renewed commitment.
(Reported By Sr Alphonse Maria FCC)
