One bishop, sixteen priests, and three deacons from the Hakha Zone gathered at Sacred Heart Church in Cawbuk of Hakha Diocese on August 8, 2026, for their monthly recollection.

The recollection was held on the feast of St. Dominic. Father Dominic Kung Tial, parish priest of Sacred Heart Church, served as the host. Despite the difficulties of travelling in the present circumstances, the priests serving in the Hakha Zone actively participated in the gathering as part of their ongoing commitment to spiritual formation and pastoral ministry.

Bishop’s Reflection on Faith and Perseverance

Bishop Lucius Hre Kung of Hakha Diocese led the priests in reflection on the day’s Gospel and the importance of faith, perseverance, and trust in God. Drawing on the example of St. Dominic, who defended his people from error, the bishop encouraged priests to remain faithful to their vocation and to continue serving the faithful even when the fruits of their ministry are not immediately visible.

Reflecting on the words of the prophet Habakkuk, who questioned where God was amid suffering, Bishop Hre Kung reminded the priests that “the righteous live by faithfulness.” He also referred to Jesus’ teaching about faith the size of a mustard seed, emphasizing that even a small but genuine faith can accomplish great things.

The bishop urged the priests to enter into the lives of ordinary and faithful people. He called them to accompany people in their daily struggles and to recognize that seemingly small acts of faith can bring significant changes. Major transformations, he noted, do not always begin with large opportunities or visible achievements. They can grow from simple acts carried out with trust in God.

Patience in Ministry

Bishop Hre Kung further reminded the priests that their ministry requires patience. When a priest is assigned to a parish, the fruits of his pastoral work may not become visible immediately. Like a seed that takes time to take root and grow, the good that priests accomplish may only become evident after years of faithful service.

The bishop also stressed the importance of recollection for priests. Because priests are human and can become discouraged, distracted, or lose their way, regular recollection provides an opportunity to examine their lives and renew their commitment to their vocation and their journey toward God.

Reflecting on the contrasting responses of Sarah and Mary to God’s promises, Bishop Hre Kung encouraged priests to imitate Mary’s faith. Although Mary did not fully understand what God’s call would mean for her, she accepted it with trust, saying, “Let it be done unto me according to your will.”

The bishop said priests are likewise called to trust God even when they do not fully understand their vocation, their circumstances, or the challenges of their ministry. God, he emphasized, is the one who calls, forms, and works through them in the mission of salvation.

The Example of Mother Teresa

The reflection also highlighted the example of St. Teresa of Calcutta. Mother Teresa’s ministry began without the widespread public attention that later surrounded her. Her work among the poor and suffering was marked by hardship and simplicity, but the faith she lived eventually became an inspiration to people around the world.

Bishop Hre Kung encouraged the priests to remain faithful even when their work is not recognized or understood by others. Their lives, he said, can become a source of blessing for individuals, parishes, and communities. The faith and good works they witness will ultimately be known before God.

Prayers and Community

The gathering also included prayers for Myanmar, the Diocese of Hakha, the priests, and all the faithful. The participants prayed for peace in the country, strength and wisdom for the Church’s leaders, and sufficient grace for God’s people to remain faithful amid difficult circumstances.

The Hakha Zone has 10 parishes, with priests serving both in parish communities and at the pastoral center. The zonal priests normally gather for a regular recollection once every two months, bringing together those engaged in parish ministry and pastoral-center service.

The Hakha Zone priests gathering at Cawbuk served as an opportunity for the priests to step away from their regular pastoral responsibilities, deepen their spiritual life, and renew their commitment to serving the Church and people of the Diocese of Hakha.

The recollection began and concluded in a spirit of prayer, placing before God the challenges facing the priests, the Church, and the people of Myanmar, while seeking renewed strength, grace, wisdom, and faith to continue their ministry.

By RVA Hakha Chin Service