The Diocese of Hakha, under the leadership of Bishop Lucius Hre Kung, celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, September 13, 2026, to thank God for the new crops and seasonal produce, while renewing the faithful’s commitment to protect and care for God’s creation.

At the initiative of Bishop Lucius, parishes across the diocese celebrated Thanksgiving Masses in the presence of priests and the faithful. The celebration was also organized as an opportunity to express gratitude for God’s creation and to encourage the faithful to protect and care for the natural world.

Forgiveness: A Sign of Belonging to God

During his homily, Bishop Lucius reflected on God’s mercy, forgiveness, and the responsibility entrusted to humanity to care for creation. He referred to the Gospel passage in which Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him.

Bishop Lucius explained that forgiveness is part of God’s nature. He reminded the faithful that God forgives people even when they have great debts before Him.

He emphasized that the Christian life is not always easy. Christians are called not simply to follow their own desires but to live according to God’s will. Forgiveness, love, peace, and care for others are important signs of belonging to God.

The bishop also reminded the faithful that human beings were created in the image and likeness of God. The Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus guide people in living according to God’s will and reflecting His love in the world.

The Early Christians: A Model of Love and Care

Reflecting on the life of the early Christians, Bishop Lucius noted that their love and care for one another were among the most visible signs of their faith. Their way of life attracted others, and it was later in Antioch that the followers of Christ were first called Christians.

He said that Christians are sent into the world with a mission to care for one another and to love all of God’s creation. This mission includes not only human beings but also the natural environment entrusted to humanity.

A Display of Gratitude: Fruits, Plants, and Flowers

As part of the diocesan celebration, different parishes in the Hakha diocese displayed fruits, plants, flowers, and other agricultural products from their local gardens. The event followed the previous week’s special prayer and reflection on the Care of Creation.

By bringing the produce of their gardens to the Church, the faithful expressed their gratitude to God for the gifts of the earth and renewed their commitment to protecting and caring for creation.

Bishop Lucius encouraged the faithful to recognize seasonal fruits and crops as gifts from God and to give thanks for them. He also reminded them that creation supports human life and that people have a responsibility to protect the natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations.

Care for Creation: A Path to Peace

The bishop further connected the care of creation with the Christian mission of building peace. Just as Christians are called to live in peace and harmony with one another, they are also called to live responsibly and respectfully with God’s creation.

Concluding his message, Bishop Lucius encouraged the faithful to faithfully carry out the mission entrusted to them by God and to become people of forgiveness, peace, love, and responsible care for creation.

The Thanksgiving Mass and Creation Care event in Hakha Diocese served as a powerful reminder that faith and environmental stewardship are inseparable. As the faithful brought the fruits of their labor to the altar, they acknowledged God as the source of all gifts and renewed their commitment to be faithful stewards of the earth.

By RVA Falam Service