In the remote Putao Zone of Kachin State, 250 faithful, catechists, listeners, and Rawang traditional elders gathered on May 18 to celebrate RVA Day, marking eight years of the RVA Rawang Service broadcasting the Good News in the local language.

The event was held at St. Joseph’s Church in Lung Sha Yang Parish of Myitkyina Diocese from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., attended by Fr. Peter Zang Yaw Hpung, former RVA Lisu Coordinator, and Fr. Mark Kyi Moe, the parish priest.

A Ministry of Eight Years

Fr. Mark Kyi Moe expressed great joy and pride that the RVA Rawang Service has become a means to spread the Gospel among the Rawang tribes. The service broadcasts eight content categories, including religious news, local news, general knowledge, and entertainment. He offered his best wishes for continued success.

Fr. Peter Zang Yaw Hpung explained the history of RVA to those present and urged listeners to provide suggestions for program improvement continuously.

Listeners’ Testimonies

John Hpung Shang Min Bai, a catechist and listener, testified, “I am very satisfied with the Church History and Pope’s Messages programs, which are broadcast daily in my own language. As laypeople, we are grateful to have more opportunities to hear the teachings of the Catholic Church.”

During a Q&A session, listener Mis Awn Tawng suggested, “I am especially thankful for the health awareness segments. I would also like to request that agricultural and livestock farming segments be broadcast as well.”

Homily: Called to Be Truth Tellers

The program began with a Holy Mass celebrated by the two priests. In his homily based on John 16:29-33, Fr. Mark Kyi Moe stated that Christians are called to be truth tellers. Quoting John 14:6—”I am the way, and the truth, and the life”—he said those who follow Christ must speak the truth and bear witness to it.

Celebration and Fellowship

After the Mass, the RVA Rawang Service staff organized a lucky draw program for all attendees. The celebration concluded with a lunch reception, bringing together the community in fellowship.

The event highlighted the importance of Catholic media in reaching remote ethnic communities, providing spiritual nourishment, education, and connection to the wider Church. For the Rawang people, hearing the faith proclaimed in their own language has been a source of encouragement and growth over eight years of broadcasting.

By RVA Rawang Service