Twenty nuns who formed the founding group of the Little Way Sisters of St. Thérèse celebrated a quarter-century of religious life on Saturday, marking their Silver Jubilee in a Mass that highlighted joy, community, and perseverance.

The January 31 celebration at Sts. Peter & Paul’s Church drew Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang of Kalay Diocese, 23 concelebrating priests, and about 700 faithful. The 20 sisters being honored are the pioneering members of the congregation, which is based in the Diocese of Kalay.

In his homily, Bishop Felix congratulated the sisters for their dedicated service to the local church. “Since you are the first group of the Sisters of the Little Way Missionary of St. Thérèse (LWST), you are a model for your Association,” he said. He linked their community life directly to their love for Christ, quoting their patron saint: “Loving Jesus allows us to love others.”

He encouraged them to find happiness in community life as a foretaste of heaven. “If you are happy in your community today, you will also be happy in the Kingdom of God,” the bishop said.

Sr. Margarita Khin Cho Cho Aye delivered words of gratitude on behalf of all the jubilarians. She thanked God, the congregation’s co-founders—Archbishop Emeritus Nicholas Mang Thang and Ms. Mary Dohan—and the late Sr. Assumpta Wong, the order’s first superior. She also expressed appreciation for the ongoing support of Bishop Felix and the local clergy.

The sisters come from several dioceses, including Kalay, Hakha, Mindat, and Mandalay. After the Mass, a reception was held where gifts were presented, followed by a shared meal provided by the sisters.

Silver Jubilee celebrants are a pioneer group in the Little Way Sisters of St. Therese, and their names are as follows;

1. Sr. Margarita Khin Cho Cho Aye 2. Sr. Rose Mary Thang Hnguh Hnging 3. Sr. Helena Ghung Len 4. Sr. Theresa Dim Ngaih Lian Cing 5. Sr. Theresa Khaw Gei Yong 6. Sr. Rosy Mawi Lan 7. Sr. Francisca Gei My Hlee 8. Sr. Assumpta Khaw Gei Cha Tii 9. Sr. Angela Myint Myint Than 10. Sr. Agatha Dim Ngawh Lun 11. Sr. Mary Cing Lawh Nuam 12. Sr. Juliana Ngun Do Cung 13. Sr. Christine Tling Vel 14. Sr. Theresa Shing Khei Hnging 15. Sr. Bibiana Ling Paing Bu Li 16. Sr. Maria Gei Sein 17. Sr. Maria Zen Deih Mang 18. Sr. Maria Van Nei Kim 19. Sr. Cecilia Tluang Sia 20. Sr. Theresa Ning Lawh Lun.

The day concluded with an evening of cultural performances and songs presented by postulants, aspirants, and novices at the order’s Mother House, bringing a festive close to a milestone that honored 25 years of prayer, service, and communal living.

By RVA Tedim Chin Service