The Karuna Myanmar Social Services (KMSS) office in Myitkyina celebrated 25 years of humanitarian work on Saturday, November 29, marking its silver jubilee with a new community hall, a leadership transition, and a powerful message of hope.

The celebration in Radakaung Ward in Myitkyina brought together around 25 priests and more than 400 participants, including local faithful and partners, to honor the organization’s legacy since its founding in 1999.

Bishop John Mung Ngawn La Sam presided over the jubilee Mass, addressing the profound suffering affecting the nation. “Today, people suffer not only from lack of food and drink,” he said. “They are thirsty for love. Everywhere in our country, war brings fear, worry, and hopelessness.”

His homily offered spiritual guidance for both the organization and those it serves. “The more we fix our eyes only on our difficulties, the more we sink. When we focus on Jesus, we receive strength to face problems, worries, and hardships.”

The bishop specifically acknowledged the sacred nature of KMSS’s work, telling staff members, “This is not merely social work. This is the Church’s work. What you do is noble and sacred.”

The practical aspects of the celebration reflected the organization’s forward-looking mission. The newly built multi-purpose hall was officially inaugurated, providing expanded space for community development programs. The event also featured a significant leadership handover, with outgoing director Fr. Paul Tu Aung passing responsibility to incoming director Fr. Paul Tiwa Zau Sham.

In his post-Mass remarks, Bishop John used a vivid image to describe the organization’s importance: “As a bishop, I have two hands—one for pastoral work and one for Karuna, the work of mercy. You are carrying one of my hands by serving the poor.”

He challenged the team to pursue “holistic development—education, faith formation, and human growth,” moving beyond immediate material aid.

The brief but meaningful handover ceremony honored Fr. Paul Tu Aung’s service with gifts of appreciation before the community gathered for a shared meal, closing the jubilee with both thanksgiving and renewed determination to serve those most affected by the country’s conflicts.

By RVA Kachin Lisu Service