The mountain itself seemed to breathe with prayer. On September 14, 2026, more than 30,000 Catholic faithful climbed the slopes of Alam Bum in the Diocese of Myitkyina, returning to a sacred tradition silenced for years by difficult circumstances.

The 43rd Alam Bum Exaltation of the Cross was not merely a religious event. It was a homecoming—a collective act of faith by a community that has endured displacement, violence, and uncertainty, yet refused to let go of hope.

A Mountain Transformed into a Sanctuary

From the early hours of the morning, pilgrims began their ascent. Some came on foot, others on motorcycles and trucks, winding their way through the hills of Kachin State. By 7:00 a.m., the first of five scheduled Masses had begun at the foot of the mountain. Two more would follow at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., while at the summit, His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo and visiting bishops celebrated Mass at 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Bishop John Mung Ngawn La Sam of Myitkyina Diocese led the Masses at the foot of the mountain, joined by priests from across the diocese. The multiple liturgies were necessary to accommodate the overwhelming number of faithful who had traveled from every corner of the diocese and beyond.

Mr. Nbau Bum Ah Dam, a member of the organizing committee, confirmed that more than 30,000 pilgrims attended the celebration—a testament to the enduring devotion of the Catholic community in northern Myanmar.

‘Look at His Cross and Believe’

In his homily at the foot of the mountain, Bishop John Mung Ngawn La Sam drew a powerful parallel between the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness and the spiritual journey of Christians today.

“When God led the Israelites into the land of Canaan, they were walking in the wilderness. They forgot that God sent Moses to deliver them and led them. Therefore, God punished them with serpents,” Bishop John recalled.

He continued: “Today, we are the same way. While we are walking through the difficulties of this world that leads us to heaven, we are angry with God and commit many sins. All the suffering of this world is caused by our fear of God, our evil desires, our jealousy in our hearts.”

But the bishop’s message was not one of condemnation. It was one of hope.

“God loved us and created us, so He heard our prayers and sent His only begotten Son into the world to save us. He did not send His Son to condemn us. He Himself gave His life on the Cross to save us by giving His life.”

Bishop John urged the faithful to look upon the Cross with faith. “Look at His Cross and believe in Him and pray to Him,” he said.

A Celebration of Return

For years, the annual pilgrimage at Alam Holy Cross Hill had been suspended due to various difficult circumstances. The last celebration was held in September 2023, and its return in 2026 marked a significant moment for the local Catholic community.

At the summit, His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo presided over the Eucharistic celebration, where pilgrims gathered in prayer and brought before the Cross their personal struggles, hopes, and intentions for their families and the country.

“The Cross carries our sorrows and the suffering caused by war, while Jesus gives us joy and hope,” Cardinal Bo said. “God loved humanity so much that He gave His Son for us.”

He encouraged the faithful to bring their wounds, struggles, and suffering to Jesus on the Cross and to place their trust in Him.

Young People: Builders of a New Myanmar

Cardinal Bo also addressed the young people who had made the arduous climb, encouraging them not to allow the hardships of the present situation to determine their future.

“Dear young people, the difficulties, poverty, and many other problems you are experiencing today cannot determine your future,” he said. “You are the young people who will build a new Myanmar.”

His words resonated deeply with the many youth who had come to the mountain seeking hope and direction.

A Tradition Rooted in Faith

Alam Holy Cross Hill was established in 1983 under the leadership of Fr. Paul Lasang La and has since become a place of prayer and pilgrimage for the local Catholic faithful. Alam Parish is currently under the pastoral care of Fr. Paul Kawa Tu Mai.

For the faithful who climbed the mountain this year, the pilgrimage was more than a religious obligation. It was an opportunity to present their everyday concerns—from health and education to housing and livelihood—to the foot of the Cross.

As the sun set over Alam Bum, the pilgrims descended the mountain carrying with them not just memories of a beautiful celebration, but a renewed sense of faith, hope, and solidarity. In a country wounded by conflict, the Cross on the mountain stands as a powerful symbol: that even in suffering, there is hope. Even in darkness, there is light.

And on this day, 30,000 voices rose together in prayer, proving that faith—like the mountain itself—cannot be moved.

By RVA Kachin Jinghpaw Service