Held once every two years, this year’s Hnaring Zone CPA (Catholic Pa bu(elder) Association) Retreat marked its second time being hosted at Khuahrang Parish, Hakha Diocese. While parish-level retreats are typically organized annually, it was decided that the zonal retreat would also be conducted in Khuahrang Parish.

Organized under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Julian Sang and led by Rev. Fr. Peter Cung Hluan, the event surprised many parishioners when it was announced that Khuahrang would host a CPA retreat, as it had previously only hosted women’s retreats.

From May 8 to 10, the retreat took place at the zonal level and was led by diocesan chancellor Rev. Fr. Lucas Tha Ling Sum. The sessions were based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and focused on seven key themes: Faith, Sacraments, Commandments, Prayer, Mission, Synodality, and Safeguarding. The program was delivered through seven teaching sessions, ending with a question-and-answer discussion on the final day. Around 200 people attended the daily sessions, showing strong interest and participation.

Many attendees expressed deep appreciation for the retreat. John Phun Rung shared, “Fr. Lucas taught us so well that two days felt too short. I wish it could have lasted a whole week.”

The retreat was also marked by moments of joy and humor, especially through remarks by Rev. Fr. Peter Cung Hluan, Parish priest of St. Peter Khuahrang, who pointed out that previous retreats at both parish and zonal levels had mostly been organized for women’s groups, while men’s groups had not yet experienced such gatherings.

Paul Hmun Kum expressed gratitude, saying, “I feel truly relieved and thankful to everyone who organized this retreat. After 30 years as a Catholic, I realized through Fr. Lucas’s teachings how much more there is to learn about my faith. I am very grateful to Fr. Lucas and Fr. Peter for making this possible. We should continue such retreats for the growth of our faith.”

Elisia Ca Ca Aye, who assisted with meal preparation during the retreat, said she felt encouraged to see many men and women return to church and fully participate in the program from beginning to end. She noted that this year’s retreat was especially meaningful because the teachings were clearer and more directly connected to everyday faith.

Members of the men’s groups also emphasized the importance of such programs, stating that fathers and family leaders in particular need strong spiritual formation, as they play a key role in guiding their families in faith.

During his teachings, Fr. Lucas reminded participants that Catholics are called not only to believe but also to live out their mission. He explained that many stop at faith or sacraments without progressing further into mission and active witness. He encouraged the faithful to embrace their calling as missionaries, fulfilling Christ’s command to “go and preach the Gospel to all nations,” and to regularly reflect on their spiritual growth.

Five priests from the Hnaring zone, along with catechists, also participated in the retreat.

By RVA Hakha Chin Service