A small Catholic community in Myanmar’s northern reaches celebrated a major milestone over the weekend, marking 75 years of faith with a Jubilee Mass that emphasized strength, resilience, and future hope.

The 75th Anniversary—or Diamond Jubilee—of the Catholic Church in Mayan Township, Namti Parish, was celebrated with a Mass attended by His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, and Bishop John Mung Ngawn La Sam of Myitkyina Diocese. More than 70 parishioners also received the Sacrament of Confirmation during the service.

In his homily, Bishop John La Sam framed the community’s long history as a testament to durable faith. He drew a metaphor from the precious stone for which the anniversary is named.

“Today is not only a Golden Jubilee, but also a Diamond Jubilee. Diamond is the hardest. It is valuable because it is very expensive,” the bishop said. “Therefore, the Mayan countryside of God’s children who lived for 75 years shows that their faith in God was strong.”

He connected this strength to the Christian calling to endure hardship, noting, “The Lord Jesus carried the Cross, carrying the cross means suffering, carrying it and winning.”

Looking to the future, Bishop John expressed hope that the community’s strong foundation would bear fruit. “From now on, you will receive many of God’s blessings,” he said. “Many intellectuals, national leaders, and church leaders will emerge from this place, and more and more people will grow up.”

The celebration served as a significant moment of encouragement for the parish. The bishop acknowledged the difficulties of the present time, thanking the gathered bishops, priests, sisters, and faithful for their presence.

The event doubled as a major sacrament day, with over 70 confirmands strengthening their commitment to the faith. For the community, the Jade Jubilee was not just a look back at three-quarters of a century of perseverance, but a collective prayer for continued blessing and growth in the years to come.

By RVA Kachin Jinghpaw Service