About 300 faithful gathered at Phado Parish in the Archdiocese of Yangon on November 7, 2026, to celebrate Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) Day of Sgaw Karen Service.

Most came from nearby villages to learn more about the RVA mission and renew their commitment to supporting evangelization through media.

The celebration was attended by Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye, Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon Archdiocese; Rev. Fr. Patrick Soe Htun, National Coordinator of Myanmar RVA Language Services; Rev. Fr. Albert Khin Maung Win, Parish Priest of Phado Parish; Rev. Fr. Hyginus Myint Soe, Head of Archdiocesan Catechists; Rev. Fr. Blasius Steenoo, Assistant Parish Priest; Rev. Fr. Matthew Mookapaw, a retired priest; and Rev. Fr. Saw Hubert, Coordinator of RVA Sgaw Karen Service, along with religious, catechists, and parishioners. Phado Parish is located about 100 miles north of Yangon.

The program began at 8:00 a.m. with an opening prayer and a song by students of the Catechist Training School. The song carried a message of bringing the Good News beyond borders through modern technology.

Fr. Patrick Soe Htun presented the mission and vision of Radio Veritas Asia. The RVA Sgaw Karen Service production team then introduced themselves. Fr. Saw Hubert shared the history and development of the service, which began on April 1, 1982. He explained its programs on the website and social media and its contribution to evangelization over 44 years.

After a short break, an interactive question-and-answer session helped participants deepen their understanding of the RVA mission.

Fr. Hyginus Myint Soe stressed the importance of preparing qualified staff for the future of the RVA mission. He encouraged forming young people, especially from areas where the Karen language is widely spoken, suggesting at least two young people be prepared each year. He also highlighted the need for financial support, encouraging everyone to set aside a small portion of their daily expenses.

Sayama Naw Elma, Head of the Phado Parish Women’s Association, expressed gratitude for the event. She recalled the parish’s long support for RVA Sgaw Karen Service and encouraged the faithful to keep following its programs. She emphasized the service’s role in preserving the Karen language and culture within the Church and thanked the parish for its contribution over about 15 years.

Fr. Albert Khin Maung Win, Parish Priest of Phado, encouraged everyone to support RVA programs by liking, subscribing, sharing, and commenting on social media. He explained that these simple actions are meaningful ways of participating in the mission.

The Eucharistic Celebration at 11:30 a.m. was the spiritual highlight, presided over by Bishop Noel Saw Naw Aye.

In his homily, Bishop Noel stressed that RVA Sgaw Karen Service is not merely an online program or media activity, but an evangelizing mission entrusted to the Church. Reflecting on Matthew 28:16–20, he reminded the faithful that evangelization is a command of the Lord.

He noted that Jesus entrusted His mission to ordinary people with weaknesses. Drawing a parallel with the RVA production team, he said its members, like the first disciples, were ordinary people called to proclaim His message through media. He reminded everyone that the responsibility of evangelization belongs to all the faithful, not just program producers.

The bishop called on producers to reflect carefully before sharing content. He said media should never spread hatred or unforgiveness but should communicate the love, mercy, forgiveness, patience, and peace of Christ.

Referring to Jesus’ promise to remain with His disciples until the end of the age, Bishop Noel encouraged the RVA team not to be discouraged by financial limitations. He affirmed that RVA would continue its mission because it is a calling from Jesus Christ.

Free Wi-Fi access was provided for participants to subscribe to and follow RVA Sgaw Karen Service on social media. At the end, Fr. Saw Hubert thanked God for 44 years of service. He expressed gratitude to the late Archbishop Gabriel Mahn Gaby for initiating the RVA mission in Karen languages and to His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo, Patron of Myanmar RVA Language Services, for his leadership and encouragement.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service