For nearly two decades, the people of southern Chin State waited. They prayed. They hoped. And on December 5, 2025, their patience was rewarded as the first St. Joseph Convent in the Diocese of Mindat was officially opened and blessed in Hilong Parish.

The dream began in 2006 when the late Msgr. Paulinus Mang Ha Gei first invited the St. Joseph Sisters to establish a convent in the region. At that time, the sisters promised to come, but the mission never materialized. Years passed. The dream remained unfulfilled.

Then came a new dawn. On February 25, 2025, the Diocese of Mindat was erected, bringing renewed energy and hope to the Catholic faithful of southern Chin State. Just months later, the St. Joseph Sisters arrived in Hilong and began their mission.

A Solemn Celebration

The opening ceremony on December 5 was a day of joy and gratitude. Bishop Augustine Thang Zawn Hung presided over the Holy Mass at 9:00 a.m., joined by 16 priests and a congregation filled with faithful from Hilong and beyond.

In his homily, Bishop Augustine focused on the importance of the St. Joseph mission, especially in the midst of the current crisis facing Myanmar. He warmly welcomed the newly established congregation to the Diocese of Mindat, emphasizing that their presence would be a source of strength and hope for the community.

“We are living in difficult times,” the bishop said. “But the arrival of the St. Joseph Sisters is a sign that God has not abandoned us. Their mission of service, education, and faith formation will bear fruit for generations to come.”

A Long Journey Finally Complete

After the Mass, Fr. Joseph Se Thang, Cathedral Rector of Sacred Heart Church, recounted the long history of the St. Joseph Congregation’s efforts to establish a presence in the Mindat region.

“Msgr. Paulinus Mang Ha Gei invited them in 2006,” Fr. Joseph recalled. “They promised to come, but for various reasons, it did not happen. Now, after nearly 20 years, we see the fulfillment of that promise. It is a moment of great joy for all of us.”

The Provincial Superior of the St. Joseph Sisters, Sr. Theresa Phe Ling Ya, and counsellor Sr. Julie traveled from their headquarters to Hilong for the inauguration. Sr. Julie, speaking on behalf of the congregation, reflected on the challenges facing religious communities in Myanmar today.

“Some convents of the St. Joseph Congregation have been closed due to the difficult situation in certain parts of Myanmar,” she said. “But here in Hilong, by the grace of God, we have successfully opened a new convent. This is a gift from God, and we are committed to serving the people of Mindat Diocese with love and dedication.”

A Gift for the Community

For the faithful of Hilong Parish, the arrival of the St. Joseph Sisters is nothing short of a blessing. One Catholic from the parish expressed the sentiments of many:

“It is a great chance for us to have St. Joseph Sisters here in Hilong,” he said. “It is good for our generation. They will surely help us in many ways—teaching catechism, caring for the Church, leading prayer, and supporting education. We are very pleased to accept them in our community.”

The sisters bring with them a legacy of service, compassion, and faith formation that will strengthen the Church in southern Chin State. Their convent will serve as a base for their mission, which includes outreach to families, youth, and the most vulnerable members of the community.

A New Chapter for Mindat Diocese

The opening of the St. Joseph Convent in Hilong is not just a milestone for the parish but a historic moment for the entire Diocese of Mindat. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Church’s mission in southern Chin State, one that promises to bear fruit for years to come.

As the sun set over Hilong on December 5, the faithful departed with hearts full of gratitude. The dream that began in 2006 had finally been realized. And in the quiet hills of southern Chin State, the St. Joseph Sisters had found a new home.

By RVA K’Cho Service