ARCHDIOCESE OF IMPHAL
PROFILE
The Archdiocese of Imphal covers the entire State of Manipur. It shares its border with the State of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the South, Upper Myanmar to the East and Cachar district of Assam to the West. Manipur, often called the “Land of Jewels”, features a striking geographical division between its lush green hills and fertile valley. The central valley which comprises about 10% of the State's land area is known for its agricultural richness and serves as the political and economic hub of the state. The remaining 90% of the land comprises the hilly terrain that surrounds the valley. The valley is predominantly inhabited by Meiteis/Meeteis while the hill districts are home to numerous tribal communities.
The Archdiocese of Imphal has currently 2 Archbishops (with Archbishop Emeritus) 110 diocesan clergy, around 75 religious priests and about 384 religious nuns serving in various parishes and institutions. With a number of growing local vocations, the Archdiocese has transitioned from being primarily a receiving diocese in terms of vocations to one that actively supports dioceses, religious congregations and dioceses around the world.
Renowned for its high-quality educational institutions across both urban and rural areas of Manipur, the Archdiocese also provides accessible healthcare services through hospitals and dispensaries, often offering treatment at nominal fees or free of cost. Inspired by the compassion of Jesus Christ, it remains deeply committed to serving the suffering and marginalised with love and care. Its doors are always open to those in need. The Archdiocese also collaborates with various national and international NGOs to further its mission of service to the people of Manipur.
ARCHBISHOP: Dr. LINUS NELI
The Vatican announced the appointment of Very Rev. Fr. Linus Neli as the new Archbishop of Imphal on 7th October 2023 and consecrated as the Archbishop of Imphal on 8th December 2023. With a distinguished background in canonical and theological scholarship, and pastoral care, Archbishop Linus Neli, brings a wealth of knowledge and a renewed vision for the Archdiocese. Archbishop Linus Neli is the third Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Imphal.
Most Rev. Dominic Lumon
Archbishop Emeritus
Most Rev. Dr. Linus Neli
Archbishop of Imphal
OFFICIALS
Rev. Fr. Varghese Velickakam
Vicar General & Procurator
Rev. Fr. Francis Vialo
Financial Administrator
Rev. Fr. Ngaoni Paul
Chancellor & Judicial Vicar
Rev. Fr. Ignatius Gaininglung
Asst. Financial Administrator
Rev. Fr. Lawrence Veilah
Secretary to Archbishop
IMPHAL METROLITAN TRIBUNAL
Judicial Vicar: Rev. Fr. Ngaoni Paul, JCD
Defender of the Bond: Rev. Fr. Sijo Ozhalakattu, JCL
Diocesan Judges: Rev. Fr. Joy Vellattukara, JCD
Rev. Fr. Jacob Charalel, JCD
Notary Rev. Fr. Lawrence Veilah
COLLEGE OF CONSULTORS
01. Archbishop Linus Neli 02. Rev. Fr. Varghese Velickakam 03. Rev. Fr. Paul Ngaoni
04. Rev. Fr. Francis Vialo 05. Rev. Fr. T.S. Dominic 06. Rev. Fr. George Baite
07. Rev. Fr. Jacob Tuthuanpou Panmei 08. Rev. Fr. John Besii 09. Rev. Fr. Francis Nganingmi
10. Rev. Fr. Tirkey Albert, SDB 11. Rev. Fr. Lancy D'Costa, SJ 12. Rev. Fr. Roy Methedathu, MSFS
ARCHDIOCESAN PRESBYTERAL COUNCIL
Archbishop Linus Neli
Archbishop Dominic Lumon (Emeritus)
Ex-Officio
01. Rev. Fr. Varghese Velickakam 02. Rev. Fr. Paul Ngaoni 03. Rev. Fr. Francis Vialo
04. Rev. Fr. John Besii 05. Rev. Fr. Francis Nganingmi 06. Judicial Vicar
Representatives of Commissions
01. Clergy Welfare : Rev. Fr. Varghese Velickakam. 02. Education : Rev. Fr. Kholi Emmanuel
03. Social Work, Peace & Justice : Rev. Fr. Soni Emmanuel 04. Ecumenism, Dialogue, Youth : Rev. Fr. Jacob Darsongam
05. Liturgy & Music : Rev. Fr. Nicholas Kamei 06. Evangelization : Rev. Fr. Athanasius Mung
07. Catechetics : Rev. Fr. Joy Cherukattumadathil 08. Laity : Rev. Fr. Frederick Ashiho Bonio
09. Health : Rev. Fr. Lijo George
Area Representatives
01. Rev. Fr. GeorgeMalayil Chandel & Tengnoupal 02. Rev. Fr. Lourdhusamy Churachandpur & Pherzawl
03. Rev. Fr. Siby Karmakkattil Senapati & Kangpokpi 04. Rev. Fr. Nicholas Kamei Tamenglong, Noney & Jiribam
05. Rev. Fr. Victor Arulappan Ukhrul & Kamjong 06. Rev. Fr. Kholi Emmanuel Valley Districts
Religious Representatives
01. Rev. Fr. Karinattu Benny Kurian, SDB 02. Rev. Fr. Ephrem Badding, CM 03. Rev. Fr. Roshan Pereira, OFM
Assistant Priests Representatives
01. Rev. Fr. Patrick Chinlianlal 02. Rev. Fr. Luke Puopao Vemai
Nominated Members
01. Rev. Fr. George Ginkhosei Baite. 02. Rev. Fr. Roy Methedathu, MSFS 03. Rev. Fr. Mark Thang Khan Ai
FINANCE COMMITTEE
President: Archbishop Linus Neli
Vice President: Fr. Varghese Velickakam, VG
Financial Administrator: Fr. Francis Vialo
Assistant Economer: Fr. Ignatius Gaininglung
Members: Fr. Robert Somi
Fr. Lourdhusamy Perianayagam
Fr. Siby Karmakkattil
Fr. James Tangshel
Fr. Hilary Kamei
CENSORS
01. Rev. Fr. Ngaoni Paul, JCD 02. Rev. Fr. Joy Vellattukara, JCD
ESTABLISHMENT COMMITTEE
(PARISHES & EDUCATIONAL CENTRES)
01. Archbishop
02. Vicar General
03. Financial Administrator
04. Chancellor
05. Rev. Fr. Lourdhusamy Perianayagam
06. Rev. Fr. Siby Karmakkattil
07. Rev. Fr. Nicholas Kamei
08. Rev. Fr. Victor Arulappan
09. Rev. Fr. John Kashiiprii
10. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Mayopam
DIOCESAN COMMISSIONS
Sl. No. Department Director Secretary
Coordinator of all Commissions Fr. Varghese Velickakam, VG
01 Clergy & Religious Fr. Varghese Velickakam, VG Sr. Jolly, SJSM
02 Art & Culture Fr. Fr. Francis Nganingmi Ms. Martha Shilshi KC
03 Basic Ecclesial Communities Fr. Paul Ngaolouni Mr. John Tharshing
04 Bible Fr. Isaac Matesou Ms. Leah Kamei
05 Catechetics Fr. Joy Cherukattumadathil Mr. Solomon Vareso
06 Ecumenism & Dialogue Fr. Jacob Darsongam Mr. Keishing Moses
07 Education Fr. Kholi Emmanuel Sr. Emilin Margaret, CMC
08 Evangelization & Proclamation Fr. Athanasius Mung Sr. Mercy, FCC
09 Family Apostolate Fr. Solomon Thezii Mr. Khamba Bartholomew
10 Health Apostolate Fr. Lijo George Dr. Wormi Sharon
11 Labour (CBCI) & Domestic Workers' Affairs Sr. Regina Mareen, MSMHC Ms. Clare Chonchon
12 Laity Fr. Frederick Ashiho Bonio President, AMCU
13 Liturgy & Music Fr. Nicholas Kamei Mr. Innocent Kamei
14 Migrants & Displaced People Fr. Soni Thomas Mr. Simon Moran
15 Social Communication & Media Fr. Thomas Ningmei Ms. Densy Makunga
16 Social Work, Peace & Justice Fr. Soni Thomas Mr. Rameson
17 Theology and Doctrine Fr. Stanislaus Chinliankhup Fr. Isaac Matesou
18 Vocation & Formation Fr. John Besii Fr. Lourdhusamy
19 Women & Children's Apostolate Sr. Archana Clare, FCC President, MCYO
20 Youth Fr. Jacob Darsongam President, MCYO
21 Ecology/Environment Fr. Jacob Darsongam Gen. Secy., MCYO
OFFICE BEARERS
1. Diocesan Fraternity (Clergy)
Rev. Fr. Dazii Jacob. President
Rev. Fr. Albert Rakesh Secretary
Rev. Fr. Marius Gangmei Treasurer
2. AMCU (All Manipur Catholic Union)
Dr. Shomi Brian President
Mr. Gnana Sekaran Secretary
3. CRI Imphal Unit (Catholic Religious of India)
Rev. Fr. Benny James, SDB President
Rev. Sr. Arpita, SABS Secretary
4. APC (Archdiocesan Pastoral Council)
Archbishop Linus Neli, D.D. President
Mr. Dominic Maring Vice President
Mr. Blessing Anal General Secretary
5. MCWO (Manipur Catholic Women Organization)
Mrs. Justina Roel President
Mrs. Alice Honglurila General Secretary
6. MCYO (Manipur Catholic Youth Organization)
Mr. Peter Panmei. President
Ms. Worchanphy Kasar. Vice President
Mr. Maximillian Pamei. General Secretary
7. Consultant
Mr. Christopher Indubhusan
8. Legal Cell
Rev. Fr. Vialo Francis, LLM
Mr. Mark Kapai, LLM
9. CMP (Catholic Manipur Publication)
Rev. Fr. Ningmei Thomas Chief Editor