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. Denis Ngaopuni
Asst. Financial Administrator
Rev. Fr. James Kamei
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
Notary Rev. Fr. James Kamei
COLLEGE OF CONSULTORS
01. Fr. Varghese Velickakam 02. Fr. Ngaoni Paul 03. Fr. Francis Vialo
04. Fr. Sijo Ozhalakattu 05. Fr. John Kashiprii 06. Fr. T.S. Dominic
07. Fr. George Baite 08. Fr. Jacob Thuttonpou Panmei 09. Fr. Tirkey Albert, SDB
10. Fr. Roy Methedathu, MSFS 11. Fr. Babu Sebastian, CM
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. Samson Ningtam 05. Rev. Fr. Sijo Ozhalakattu 06. Judicial Vicar
Representatives of Commission
01. Clergy Welfare : Rev. Fr. Varghese Velickakam. 02. Education : Rev. Fr. Kholi Emmanuel
03. Social Work, Peace & Justice : Rev. Fr. Dominic Kanmi. 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. James Tangshel
Area Representatives
01. Rev. Fr. Avince Dilbung 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. John Kashiiprii Valley Districts
Religious Representatives
01. Rev. Fr. Philip Puthettupadavil, SDB 02. Rev. Fr. Babu Sebastian, CM 03. Rev. Fr. Manoj Victor D'Souza, OFM
Assistant Priests Representatives
01. Rev. Fr. Veilouni William. 02. Rev. Fr. Luke Puopao Vemai
Nominated Members
01. Rev. Fr. George Ginkhosei Baite. 02. Rev. Fr. Louis Pallikunnel 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. Denis Ngaopuni
Members: Fr. Robert Somi
Fr. Lourdhusamy
Fr. Siby Karmakkattil
Fr. James Tangshel
Fr. Hilary Kamei
CENSORS
01. Rev. Fr. Ngaoni Paul, JCD 02. Rev. Fr. Joy Vellattukara, JCD
DIOCESAN COMMISSIONS
Sl. No. Department Director
Coordinator of all Commissions Fr. Varghese Velickakam, VG
01 Clergy & Religious Fr. Varghese Velickakam, VG
02 Art & Culture Fr. Kholi Emmanuel
03 Basic Ecclesial Communities Fr. Paul Ngaolouni
04 Bible Fr. Soni Thomas
05 Catechetics Fr. Joy Cherukattumadathil
06 Ecumenism & Dialogue Fr. Jacob Darsongam
07 Education Fr. Kholi Emmanuel
08 Evangelization & Proclamation Fr. Athanasius Mung
09 Family Apostolate Fr. Solomon Thezii
10 Health Apostolate Fr. James Tangshel
11 Labour (CBCI) & Domestic Workers' Affairs Sr. Regina Mareen, MSMHC
12 Laity Fr. Frederick Ashiho Bonio
13 Liturgy & Music Fr. Nicholas Kamei
14 Migrants & Displaced People Fr. Soni Thomas
15 Social Communication & Media Fr. Thomas Ningmei
16 Social Work, Peace & Justice Fr. Dominic Kanmi
17 Theology and Doctrine Fr. Stanislaus Chinliankhup
18 Vocation & Formation Fr. Samson Ningtam
19 Women & Children's Apostolate Sr. Archana Clare, FCC
20 Youth Fr. Jacob Darsongam