The Catholic Religious Conference of Kalay (CRCK) held its monthly recollection for religious sisters on September 19, 2026, at the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Sisters community in Kalay, drawing around 40 sisters from different congregations for a day of spiritual renewal and fraternal communion.

The recollection began at 9:00 a.m. with a spiritual talk by Rev. Fr. Andrew Guto, SDB, who emphasized selfless service and encouraged the sisters to dedicate their lives to the good of others.

‘Religious Life Is a Life Given for Others’

In his reflection, Fr. Andrew shared the moving example of a teacher who sacrificed his life to save many students during a devastating flood in Nepal. He highlighted the teacher’s courage and self-giving love, saying that he lived not only for himself but for the good and safety of others.

Drawing from this example, Fr. Andrew urged the religious sisters to embrace a similar spirit of self-giving in their consecrated lives.

“Religious life is a life given for the good of others,” he emphasized, encouraging the sisters to see their vocation as a call to serve God and their communities through love, sacrifice, and service.

Following the spiritual talk, Fr. Andrew led the sisters in Eucharistic Benediction, followed by a time of personal reflection and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The silence of the chapel became a space for honest self-examination and spiritual renewal, as the sisters brought their struggles and hopes before God.

‘New Wine and Old Wineskins’

The recollection concluded with the celebration of Holy Mass, presided over by Rev. Fr. Joseph Thang Nen Zo Mung, who is in charge of the Catholic Religious Conference of Kalay and Coordinator of RVA Tedim Chin Service.

In his homily, reflecting on the Gospel concerning the new wine and old wineskins, Fr. Joseph emphasized the importance of communication, mutual understanding, and harmony between older and younger members of religious communities.

He encouraged religious superiors and sisters to create communities where members can understand one another, appreciate their different experiences and interests, and work together toward a common goal.

He also stressed the importance of creating moments of joy and fellowship within religious communities.

“Eat together and drink together,” he encouraged, emphasizing that sharing meals and joyful moments can help strengthen relationships and build a peaceful community.

He urged the sisters to learn how to communicate across generations, understand one another’s perspectives and differences, and remain united in pursuing their common mission.

“Unity and a common goal are essential for building a peaceful religious community,” he said.

A Growing Community of Service

Two priests and around 40 religious sisters from different congregations participated in the monthly recollection. Following the Mass, the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Sisters hosted lunch for the participants, providing an opportunity for fellowship and deepening bonds of friendship.

The Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus congregation, whose motherhouse is in South Korea, has been serving in the Diocese of Kalay since 2018. The community currently includes one local sister and around ten candidates at different stages of formation, including aspirants, postulants, and novices—a sign of growing vocations and the congregation’s commitment to nurturing local leadership.

A Monthly Tradition of Renewal

The monthly recollection provides an opportunity for religious sisters from different congregations in Kalay to come together for prayer, spiritual renewal, fraternity, and reflection on their shared vocation and mission.

In a region where religious sisters serve in education, healthcare, pastoral care, and community development, these gatherings offer a vital space for mutual support and encouragement. They remind the sisters that despite their different charisms and apostolates, they share a common call to consecrated life and a common mission to serve God’s people.

By RVA Tedim Chin Service