More than 1,200 faithful packed St. Mary’s Cathedral in Kalay on May 17 to celebrate RVA Day of Tedim Chin Service on the Feast of the Ascension, highlighting the Church’s growing commitment to spreading the Gospel through digital media and social communication.

The celebration was organized by Rev. Fr. Joseph Thang Nen Zo Mung, Director of Diocesan Social Communication and Coordinator of RVA Tedim Chin Service, with the permission of Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang and Msgr. John Deng Cin Khup, cathedral rector.

Mass and Homily

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Vicar General Msgr. John Khup, joined by 11 concelebrating priests. In his homily, Fr. Raphael Suang Cin Khup, Procurator of the Diocese of Kalay, reflected on the Ascension and the mission of RVA Tedim Chin Service.

“Jesus entrusted His mission to His disciples through the Church before ascending into heaven. He left this mission to each one of us,” Fr. Raphael said. He highlighted three key dimensions of evangelization: proclamation of the Gospel, witness through daily life, and online mission through digital platforms.

“We should not ignore the power of social media for evangelization, and we give thanks to RVA family members for their hard work in promoting the Catholic faith through media,” he added.

History and Expansion

After Mass, Fr. Joseph Thang Nen Zo Mung delivered a special address on RVA Day, also known as World Communications Day, established by Pope Paul VI in 1967. He explained that Radio Veritas Asia was a major project of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.

The RVA Zomi Chin Service was established on August 5, 1996, and later expanded into RVA Tedim Chin, Falam Chin, Mindat Chin, and Hakha Chin services. Fr. Joseph presented the ministry’s progress through eight categories of communication and evangelization, inviting the faithful to support the mission by following, sharing, and engaging on social media, YouTube, and the diocesan website.

Interactive Session

During a question-and-answer session, Msgr. John Khup raised a question about the future development of Catholic media ministry. Daw Francisca Manpi shared a testimony about the spiritual and educational benefits she had received through RVA Tedim Chin Service online platforms, encouraging others to use Catholic media resources for both knowledge and spiritual growth.

Gratitude and Fellowship

Fr. Joseph expressed gratitude to Msgr. John Khup for hosting the celebration and thanked the priests and faithful for their participation. The gathering included 12 priests, about 50 guests (religious and catechists), and approximately 1,200 faithful from across the diocese.

The celebration concluded with group photographs and a fellowship meal. The event marked a meaningful milestone for the Diocese of Kalay in strengthening Catholic communication and evangelization in the digital age, reflecting the wider mission of the Church during the 60th World Day of Social Communications.

By RVA Tedim Service