More than 3,000 faithful filled Rada Gone Central Cemetery in the Diocese of Myitkyina on November 2, 2026, to pray for the departed on All Souls’ Day.

Bishop John Mung Ngawn La Sam of Myitkyina led the celebration, joined by Bishop Raymond Sum Lut Gam of Banmaw, seven priests, religious sisters, pastoral workers, and lay faithful.

Three Masses were held at 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 4:00 p.m., giving the faithful time to remember and pray for deceased family members, relatives, and loved ones.

During the 8:00 a.m. Mass, Bishop John reflected on the love that brings people together to remember those who have died. He stressed that death does not end the bonds of love.

“Dearly beloved faithful, why have we gathered here today in such great numbers, in this place where our departed loved ones rest? The reason is love. No suffering, hardship, or sorrow can compare with this love. Our presence here today is an expression of the love we continue to hold for the departed in the presence of God,” the bishop said.

He reminded the faithful that those who have died showed love to their families and communities during their lives. In return, the living are called to remember them and pray for their souls. He especially emphasized the importance of offering Masses and prayers for those being purified in purgatory.

The bishop also spoke about God’s boundless love in giving His only Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of humanity. Through this love, he explained, the faithful on earth, the souls in purgatory, and the saints in heaven remain united as one Church. This unity reflects the Catholic teaching on the Communion of Saints.

Turning to Christian responsibility, Bishop John urged the faithful to live a life of love. He said blessings are not found only in success and prosperity, but also in times of suffering, grief, and unjust accusations when people remain faithful to Jesus.

Referring to Matthew 25:31–46, the bishop highlighted the importance of practical charity—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, welcoming strangers, and helping those in need. He recalled Jesus’ words: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Even the smallest act of kindness, done with love, can become a great blessing before God, he said.

Bishop John also stressed that prayers for the dead are never in vain. Just as people ask one another for prayers during their earthly lives, the departed should also be remembered in prayer. Through these prayers, the faithful entrust their loved ones to God’s mercy, asking that those being purified may enter the heavenly kingdom. Such prayer, he said, expresses enduring love between the living and the dead and sustains the hope of being reunited one day in God’s presence.

At the end of the Mass, representatives of the cemetery committee thanked both bishops, the priests, religious sisters, teachers, and all the faithful who took part. The committee also shared that Rada Gone Central Cemetery was established in 1994 and has served the Catholic community for more than three decades. About 2,800 people are buried there to date.

The All Souls’ Day celebration served as a reminder that Christian love continues beyond death. Through prayer, remembrance, and hope in the resurrection, the living remain spiritually united with their departed loved ones in the love of God.

By RVA Lisu Service