‎‎The 3rd Diploma in Socio-Pastoral Studies (DSP) Alumni Reunion and Workshop was held from April 30 to May 3, 2026, at St. Joseph’s National Catholic Major Seminary, Parent Institution of DSP, bringing together graduates from batch-1, 2, 3, and current DSP students from batch-4 for reflection, formation, and renewed missionary commitment.

‎The gathering opened in the evening on April 30 with a welcoming and opening address by Rev. Fr. John Hlwan Moe Naing, Program Director of DSP, followed by Dr. Richard Win Tun Kyi, Executive Coordinator of CBCM-SPCU and member of DSP Board of Management. The participants were also greeted by the welcoming video of the President of the Alumni Association of Diploma in Socio-Pastoral Program (DSP), Rev. Fr. Sa George Eikhant from Mawlamyine, who joined the whole event via Zoom because he is currently doing his further studies abroad. The Vice-President of the Alumni Association of DSP, Florence Kyi Pyar from Pyay, also warmly welcomed all Alumni and Alumni-to-be. The event set a tone of unity and shared mission among participants.

‎On May 1, the day began with the Holy Mass celebrated at the seminary chapel, followed by an introduction to the objectives of the reunion.

During the morning pastoral session, Rev. Fr. Cyprian Aung Win, Rector of St. Joseph’s National Catholic Major Seminary, emphasized the importance of Christian witness over mere proclamation. Quoting the Gospel mandate, he reminded participants that people encounter Christ not only through words but through the lived example of believers. “We ourselves are the Gospel,” he said, highlighting that authentic Christian life is the strongest form of evangelization.

‎Rev. Fr. Bosco Bo Bo, SDB, delivered a talk on “The New Heaven and the New Earth,”  focusing on discipleship and mission. He stressed that all baptized Christians are not only called but sent to actively engage in pastoral and social outreach. Referring to Acts 1:8, he underlined the Church’s mission to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth”.  He also highlighted the importance of building communities rooted in faith, justice, non-violence, and preferential love for the poor.

‎The priest noted that the Church must continually discern how to live and act in today’s world, calling for active lay leadership and a deeper commitment to integral human development. He described the Church as a “community of faith and discernment,” strengthened by the sacraments and open to dialogue with cultures, religions, and the modern world.

‎In the afternoon session, Sir. James Ngun Hre, National Director of KMSS and member of DSP Board of Management, presented on “Charity in Truth” (Caritas in Veritate), focusing on integral human development. He explained that true development concerns the whole person, material, social, cultural, moral, and spiritual, and must include everyone without exclusion.

‎He emphasized that charity must always be rooted in truth, warning that without truth, love becomes superficial. Highlighting the challenges of corruption, he noted that misuse of power hinders development, increases inequality, and weakens public services. He called for accountability, ethical leadership, and compassion in development work.

‎Later, Dr. Win Tun Kyi spoke on synodality and lay empowerment, reflecting on the Church as the People of God. He emphasized that all baptized faithful are missionary disciples called to participate actively in the Church’s mission.

‎He described synodality as a process of shared responsibility, dialogue, and discernment, where decision-making involves bishops, clergy, and laypeople together. He also pointed out the need for ongoing formation, especially for lay leaders, to address current challenges such as declining faith practices and disengagement among younger generations.

‎On May 2, participants celebrated Holy Mass before engaging in outreach activities, including visits to the catholic home for the aged and Mother Teresa’s House in Kandawgalay. They also visited Kandawgyi Garden and later gathered at Major Seminary for a session on sharing practical experiences and professional growth in mission work.

‎During the panel session, alumni from different batches reflected on their journeys. DSP Batch-1 alumna Florence Kyi Pyar from Pyay shared how the program deepened her understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and inspired her ongoing commitment to learning and service. DSP Batch-2 alumna Annie Mar from Pyay also shared the challenges of balancing responsibilities in her household, business, and community. She reflected on how the leadership formation she received through the DSP program enriched and strengthened her lived experience of leadership.

‎DSP Batch-3 alumna Cynthia Honey Thae Htut, a member of the Yangon Catholic Praise and Worship Team, highlighted the challenges of balancing mission work with family life and addressing sensitive issues such as social inclusion. She emphasized the importance of witnessing through daily life and encouraging youth participation.

Sr. Theresa Joe, ZSLF, from Batch 4, shared her experiences working in a conflict-affected area, noting the emotional and environmental challenges faced by communities. She emphasized the importance of flexibility in leadership and healing ministry through the Word of God. Afterwards, the Alumni Committee members conducted an orientation on the Constitution of the Alumni Association of the Diploma in Socio-Pastoral Program. The session also outlined the way forward in collaboration with participating DSP alumni and the current DSP Batch-4 participants.

The afternoon session concluded with heartfelt closing remarks delivered by the DSP Academic Dean, Rev. Fr. Stephen Aung Min. The cultural night on May 2 evening stood as a vibrant celebration of unity in diversity, reflecting the shared faith of all present.

On May 3, the Holy Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated, and the Prayer of the Faithful, offered in six different languages, beautifully manifested the universality of the Church. In his homily, Rev. John Hlwan Moe Naing, DSP Program Director, renewed the spirit of the DSP alumni and participants, reminding them that each person is a living stone, called to participate in building up the mission of the Church.

‎The event’s theme was inspired by Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation.” The gathering highlighted the missionary call entrusted to every disciple. Although the DSP graduates from batch-1, 2, and 3, together with the current batch-4 students, number just over a hundred, they represent a committed and faith-filled community. Scattered across many dioceses in Myanmar, they continue to embody the spirit of discipleship in diverse contexts. Through their dedicated faith-based socio-pastoral service, they carry forward the mission of the Church with fidelity, joy, and hope. The reunion concluded with a renewed commitment among DSP alumni Priests, Religious, Catechists, and Lay Faithful, to live out their mission as witnesses of the Gospel, promoting justice, compassion, and integral human development in their respective communities.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service