Rev Fr John K. Ngouning, SDB, was ordained a priest on 15 January 2026 at St. Vincent High School, Pumdumlong Village, during a grace-filled Eucharistic celebration presided over by Most Rev. Neli Linus, D.D., Archbishop of Imphal. The sacred ordination ceremony was marked by deep prayer, reverence, and joy, becoming a memorable occasion of thanksgiving for the Salesian Province of Mary Help of Christians, Guwahati, as well as for the local Church and the faithful who gathered in large numbers.
Rev Fr Sebastian Kuricheal, SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Mary Help of Christians, Guwahati, formally presented the candidate to the Archbishop for priestly ordination. A large number of priests from different dioceses and religious congregations joined in the concelebration, manifesting the unity and fraternity of the priesthood. The ceremony was witnessed by a vast gathering of religious sisters, Salesian confreres, family members, parishioners, and faithful from nearby villages, all of whom shared in the joy of witnessing a new priest being added to the vineyard of the Lord.
In his homily, Archbishop Neli Linus reflected on the Gospel reading and highlighted the compassion of Jesus, stressing that a priest is called to mirror this same compassion in his ministry. He reminded the newly ordained that priesthood is not merely a function but a way of life rooted in love, service, and self-giving. The Archbishop exhorted priests to be close to the people, especially the poor, the suffering, and those on the margins, with a heart that reflects the mercy of Christ.
The Archbishop also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the parents of Rev Fr John K. Ngouning, who are celebrating the golden jubilee of their wedding anniversary this year. He described the occasion as a special grace and a moment of great pride for the family, noting that it was a rare and beautiful blessing that their son was ordained a priest in the same year they commemorated 50 years of married life. He highlighted this coincidence as a sign of God’s abundant blessings upon the family and an encouragement to all present to remain faithful to their Christian vocation, whether in marriage, priesthood, or religious life.
Addressing the newly ordained priest, the Archbishop urged him to follow the example of St John Bosco, particularly in his love and concern for the young. He encouraged Rev Fr John Ngouning to faithfully live and promote the Salesian Preventive System of “Reason, Religion, and Loving Kindness” in his pastoral ministry. Emphasizing the Salesian charism, the Archbishop reminded him that the young should never be seen as a problem but as a great potential and hope for the Church and society. In a light-hearted yet meaningful remark, he described Rev Fr John Ngouning as a precious gift from Manipur to the Salesian Province of Mary Help of Christians, Guwahati, drawing warm applause from the congregation.
At the end of the celebration, the newly ordained priest expressed his deep gratitude to God for the gift of his priestly vocation and for the countless blessings received throughout his journey. He sincerely thanked his parents for their faith, sacrifices, and constant support, the Archbishop for conferring the sacred ordination, the Provincial for his guidance and encouragement, and the confreres of the Province for their brotherly support. He also expressed appreciation to the parish community, organizers, and all the faithful who were present and who accompanied him with their prayers on this significant and grace-filled day.
The thanksgiving Holy Mass of Rev Fr John K. Ngouning, SDB, will be celebrated on 16 January 2026 at 7:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Willong Khullen. The faithful are invited to join in this Eucharistic celebration to thank God and to pray for the fruitful priestly ministry of the newly ordained priest.
