More than 600 Catholic faithful, together with Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang and 12 priests, gathered in Khaikam Myo on June 28, 2026, to celebrate the historic inauguration of St. Patrick Parish, a newly established parish in the Diocese of Kalay.

The bishop received a warm and festive welcome upon his arrival. Parishioners, dressed in traditional Chin attire, greeted him at the entrance gate with cultural dances, traditional songs, and a joyful procession before accompanying him into the church compound.

New Parish Created from Sacred Heart Parish

St. Patrick Parish was created from Sacred Heart Parish, Phai Hlaithayar, which has been under the pastoral care of Rev. Fr. Damian Zam Sian Dal. The newly established parish has been entrusted to Rev. Fr. Sylvester Pau Van Sang, who has been appointed as its first parish priest.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Felix and concelebrated by 12 priests in the presence of religious sisters and more than 600 faithful from the five villages that now form the new parish, as well as neighboring communities.

Homily: A Blessing from God

In his homily, Bishop Felix explained that the establishment of the new parish was prompted by pastoral needs and came after careful consultation with the diocesan Priestly Council and the College of Consultors. He described the creation of the parish as a blessing from God and a visible sign of the continued growth and development of the Diocese of Kalay.

The bishop noted that the new parish comprises six villages—Khaikam Myo, Khaikam No. 4, Pimpih Village, Tuivial Village, Tampi Village, and Mualzang Village—with 210 Catholic families. He emphasized that the purpose of establishing a new parish is to provide closer pastoral care, ensure the regular celebration of the sacraments, and make the daily celebration of the Holy Mass more accessible to the faithful.

“The permanent presence of a parish priest is a visible sign of Christ’s presence among His people,” Bishop Felix said, “accompanying them in their spiritual journey and strengthening the life of the local Church.”

Confirmation and Decree

Following the homily, Rev. Fr. Joseph Thang Nen Zo Mung gave a brief catechetical reflection on the Sacrament of Confirmation before Bishop Felix administered the sacrament to 60 candidates, who received the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the presence of their families, sponsors, and the parish community.

At the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Felix officially promulgated the diocesan decree establishing St. Patrick Parish and formally announced that it comprises the six villages. He then presented the decree to the new parish priest and offered gifts as a gesture of encouragement and blessing.

Words of Gratitude

In his words of gratitude, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Pau Van Sang thanked Bishop Felix for his pastoral leadership and expressed his sincere appreciation to Rev. Fr. Damian Zam Sian Dal, the priests, religious sisters, benefactors, parish councils, village leaders, choir members, volunteers, and all the faithful whose prayers, generosity, and dedicated service made the establishment of the new parish possible.

The celebration concluded with the newly formed parish choir performing a special thanksgiving hymn composed for the inauguration. A commemorative group photograph followed, after which the bishop, clergy, religious, guests, and parishioners gathered for a festive luncheon to celebrate this joyful milestone in the life of the Diocese of Kalay.

The inauguration of St. Patrick Parish marks another significant step in the missionary growth of the Diocese of Kalay, reflecting the Church’s enduring commitment to bringing the Gospel, the sacraments, and pastoral care closer to the faithful through vibrant parish communities.

By RVA Tedim Chin Service