About 700 faithfuls gathered at St. Peter’s Parish in Leipi village to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the St. Monica Women’s Association of Hnaring Zone of Hakha Diocese—a milestone marking 25 years of prayer, perseverance, and service to the Catholic Church in the Lautu region on October 25, 2026.

The celebration was led by Bishop Lucius Hre Kung of Hakha Diocese, who offered a thanksgiving Mass and blessed a Silver Jubilee Memorial Stone commemorating the association’s journey. The event drew 10 priests, two religious sisters, 12 catechists, and parishioners from Leipi and neighboring communities.

A Retreat of Preparation

The jubilee celebration followed a two-day Hnaring Zonal Catholic Women’s Association retreat held from October 23 to 24, with 284 participants. Fr. Andrew Le Tling and Fr. Fidelis Maung Sein delivered spiritual talks during the retreat, encouraging participants to strengthen their faith and renew their commitment to Christian life. Fr. Peter Cung Hluan, parish priest of St. Peter’s Parish, coordinated the program.

A History Rooted in Faith

The story of the St. Monica Women’s Association in the Lautu region began on August 25–26, 2001, when the association was established for the first time in Leipi village. At that time, Fr. Lucius Hre Kung—now Bishop of Hakha Diocese—was serving as parish priest of St. Michael’s Parish in Hnaring.

The first retreat of the association was organized under his leadership, with Catechists Michael Hre Hmung and Peter Chan Ling helping guide the women’s group. The association was established to encourage Catholic women in the Lautu region to follow the example of St. Monica, whose life was characterized by faith, devotion, and perseverance in prayer.

Despite numerous difficulties and challenges over the past 25 years, the association has continued its activities through the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In 2020, under the leadership of zonal women’s director Fr. Lawrence Maung Ling, the association adopted a common motto based on John 19:26: “Woman, behold your son.” These words, spoken by Jesus to Mary at the foot of the Cross, became an important spiritual inspiration for the women.

‘Your Love and Support Are Evident’

During his homily, Bishop Lucius praised the women for their dedication, cooperation, and sincere efforts in organizing the jubilee celebration.

“Your love and support for one another are evident in this celebration. I am pleased to see that you have worked for so long with good intentions,” he said.

The bishop also commended the participants for their preparations, the organization of the program, and the songs performed during the celebration. He noted that the beauty of the melodies and lyrics could contribute to the Church’s mission and help communicate the association’s message to Lautu people around the world.

Reflecting on the hardships faced by communities living as refugees, Bishop Lucius acknowledged the uncertainty and difficulties experienced by many faithful. Drawing on the teachings of St. Paul, he encouraged the congregation to recognize the present as an opportunity for salvation.

‘Always Pray in Silence’

Addressing the women, he reminded them that their 25 years of prayer and service should inspire them to continue rather than become complacent after reaching the jubilee milestone.

“Even if others do not know what you are doing, always pray in silence,” he urged.

Bishop Lucius highlighted Queen Esther as another example of a woman devoted to prayer. He recalled how she earnestly sought God’s help for the deliverance of her people, who were ultimately saved from destruction.

Using the examples of St. Monica and Queen Esther, he encouraged the women to remain steadfast in prayer despite the challenges facing their communities.

Referring to 1 Peter 3, the bishop emphasized that genuine beauty comes from within and is expressed through humility, obedience, and a faithful Christian life.

A Meaningful History

Concluding his homily, Bishop Lucius praised the association for sustaining its prayer gatherings for 25 years and encouraged its members to preserve their spiritual heritage.

“We need to live with a good story,” he said, explaining that history helps people maintain their identity, faith, and direction in life.

The celebration also included the Sacrament of Confirmation, through which 119 children from St. Peter’s Parish received the sacrament—a sign that the faith nurtured by the women of St. Monica’s Association continues to bear fruit in the next generation.

For 25 years, they have been the quiet pillars of their communities—praying in silence, serving in love, and passing on the faith to their children. Their story is one of faithfulness in small things, of perseverance through hardship, and of a love that has bound generations together in prayer. And as they look to the future, they carry with them the example of St. Monica—a woman who never stopped praying, never stopped hoping, and never stopped trusting in God.

By RVA Falam Chin Service