A solemn memorial Mass marking the 30th anniversary of the death of Fr. Thomas Nawhkum Lawt Naw from Myitkyina Diocese was celebrated on March 25, 2026, at St. Columban’s Cathedral, drawing a large gathering of clergy, religious, and lay faithful.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop John Mung Ngawn La Sam of Myitkyina Diocese, joined by 25 priests, numerous religious sisters, and a significant number of laypeople. The memorial was initiated by the Nawhkum family members together with former boarding students whom Fr. Thomas had raised and supported many years ago.

A Legacy of Firsts

Fr. Thomas is remembered as the second Catholic priest from the Kachin ethnic community. He was born on October 8, 1930, in Hpung Ing Dung. He was ordained to the priesthood on March 19, 1966, and celebrated his Silver Jubilee in 1991. He passed away on March 25, 1996.

Delivering the homily, Fr. Joseph Kum Htoi highlighted Fr. Thomas’s enduring contributions, particularly in shaping both the spiritual and socio-economic life of the Kachin community.

“He was the first to introduce the practice of tithing among the Kachin people,” Fr. Joseph said. “Before that, there was no such custom. Around 1982, this system began within the Catholic Church, and today we can clearly see the fruits of that development.”

Spiritual and Social Innovations

Fr. Joseph also pointed to Fr. Thomas’s contribution to the spiritual life through prayer. “He introduced the catechists to the practice of general intercessions, encouraging people to pray from their hearts. Today, this form of prayer is widely used in prayer meetings and community gatherings,” he noted.

He further emphasized Fr. Thomas’s role in encouraging small-scale entrepreneurship. “He inspired people to open small shops and even supported them financially to start their businesses. Looking at the present, we can see how many families have benefited from such initiatives,” he added.

Fr. Thomas was also credited with establishing a boarding house in Myitkyina, recognizing education as a vital part of missionary work and community development.

A Miraculous Escape

Recalling a dramatic moment from his missionary life, the homilist shared an incident in which Fr. Thomas narrowly escaped death.

“While celebrating Mass during a pastoral tour, he was shot at, leaving holes in his cassock, yet he was unharmed. It was truly miraculous,” Fr. Joseph recounted.

Despite the hardships of his time, Fr. Thomas persevered in his mission and helped bring thousands into the Catholic faith.

The memorial Mass concluded with prayers of gratitude for the life and witness of Fr. Thomas Nawhkum Lawt Naw, whose contributions continue to inspire the faithful in Kachin State and beyond.

A large number of attendees participated in the commemoration, reflecting the deep respect and lasting impact he holds within the community.

By RVA Lisu Service