His Excellency Bishop Augustine Thang Zawm Hung, the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Mindat, celebrated his first Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Kalaymyo on World Mission Sunday, October 18, 2026, during his first visit to the Diocese of Kalay since becoming a bishop.

The visit began on October 17 when Bishop Augustine arrived and was warmly welcomed by His Excellency Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang of Kalay Diocese, and members of the local Church community. Msgr. John Deng Cin Khup, Rector of St. Mary’s Cathedral, also welcomed the visiting bishop ahead of the special Eucharistic celebration.

A Journey of Faith and Service

Bishop Augustine was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Hakha on November 17, 2002. On January 25, 2025, Pope Francis appointed him the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Mindat. He received episcopal ordination on April 27, 2025, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon, officially beginning his ministry as the first bishop of Mindat.

Seven priests, one deacon, and approximately 2,000 faithful participated in the Mass, which coincided with World Mission Sunday—an annual celebration dedicated to renewing the Church’s missionary commitment and supporting the proclamation of the Gospel throughout the world.

‘Mission Is the Calling of Every Baptized Christian’

In his homily, Bishop Augustine reflected on the missionary spirit of the Church in light of Pope Leo XIV’s message for World Mission Sunday. He emphasized that mission is not merely the responsibility of priests, religious, or those who travel to distant lands, but the calling of every baptized Christian.

He encouraged the faithful to become witnesses of Christ’s love through prayer, service, unity, and care for those most in need. The bishop also highlighted the importance of bringing hope to people facing hardship and division, reminding the faithful that the Church’s mission is rooted in Christ’s love and must be expressed through concrete acts of compassion, solidarity, and service to others.

A History of Shared Faith

Following the Mass, Msgr. John Deng Cin Khup introduced Bishop Augustine to the congregation and reflected on the historical relationship among the local Churches. He recalled that the Diocese of Kalay and the Diocese of Mindat were previously part of the Diocese of Hakha. He also noted that Bishop Augustine had visited many places within what is now the Diocese of Kalay.

With the establishment of the new Diocese of Mindat, the region is now served by three dioceses: Hakha, Kalay, and Mindat. Msgr. John expressed his sincere gratitude to Bishop Augustine for his fraternal love, pastoral visit, and celebration of the Eucharist at the cathedral. He described the visit as a meaningful occasion for strengthening the bonds of communion and friendship among the dioceses.

A Joyful Reunion for Many

In response, Bishop Augustine conveyed his heartfelt thanks to Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang, Msgr. John Deng Cin Khup, the priests, and all the faithful who participated in the celebration. He expressed his appreciation for their warm welcome and fraternal support and invited everyone to continue praying for one another.

For many elderly faithful, the visit was also a joyful reunion. Having known Bishop Augustine for many years, they warmly greeted him after Mass and shared happy conversations with him, recalling their longstanding relationships and experiences.

The celebration of World Mission Sunday became a special occasion not only for prayer and missionary renewal but also for strengthening the unity, friendship, and shared mission of the Catholic Church in the dioceses of Hakha, Kalay, and Mindat. As the faithful departed, they carried with them the joy of the day and the reminder that every Christian is called to be a missionary—right where they are.

By RVA Tedim Chin Service