Pilgrims of Hope: Hundreds walk for peace in Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, December 02 2024: Carrying hope and message for peace, hundreds of people embarked on a 7-hour long walk from Senapati District Headquarters to Maram yesterday.

Under the banner "Walk for Peace", nearly 2000 Catholic faithfuls covered a staggering 24 kilometres from Senapati Public Ground to St John Bosco, Parish, Maram Centre.

During the spiritual journey on Sunday, the pilgrims of hope carried placards displaying messages of God and calling for peace and love in strife-tom Manipur.

The prayer walk was organised by the Divine Glory Prayer Tower, Senapati in association with the Senapati District Catholic Union (SDCU) and St John Bosco Parish, Maram Khunou.

The prayer walk was historic and it was organised to pray for peace in Manipur in 2025, seek penance for personal sins and deliverance and healing, said Catholic leaders.

"People have suffered as a result of the violence in Manipur.

We want peace to be restored in Manipur.

The warring communities and all the people should follow the path of God and peace, and end the suffering," said people participating in the rally.

Divine Glory Prayer Centre, Senapati director Rev Fr Bobby Thomas and team led the spiritual journey to Maram.

Amidst prayers and songs led by Priests and Nuns, the participants chanted messages of God and urged people of all communities to "give peace a chance" and "follow the path of peace" .

A medical team led by CMO Precy Sumpi was on site for providing emergency medical assistance, while Senapati police managed traffic movements along the National High-way-2 from Senapati to Maram.

Refreshments and transportation for participants were organised with generous donations from SDSA, Mao Karong Catholic Church, SDCU, Khongnem villagers, Maram Centre Parishioners and many other well wishers and peace lovers.

This walk for peace is a first such religious initiative in hill districts amidst the nearly 19-month-old conflict in Manipur.

The programme was initially planned for a small crowd, but the enthusiasm of the people turned it into a phenomenal rally with crowds of people pouring in from different directions, said Fr Bobby.

Most Rev Dominic Lumon, Archbishop, Emeritus invoked the blessing of God and sprinkled Holy water upon the walkers.

The retired Archbishop also walked along with thousands of participants reciting Holy Rosary and songs of praise.

At various destinations, Catholic Churches welcomed the pilgrims and greeted them with water and snacks.

The walk concluded at Maram Centre with a grand reception by the St John Bosco, Parish, Maram Centre.

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