The Diocese of Myitkyina concluded the 2026 Season of Creation with a special Mass at St. Columban Cathedral on October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, calling the faithful to heal their hearts, care for creation, and work for peace.

The closing Mass began at 10:00 a.m. and was presided over by Bishop John Mung Ngawn La Sam of Myitkyina Diocese. More than 400 young people and faithful participated in the celebration.

‘The World Is Sick’

In his homily, Bishop John reflected on the connection between the condition of the world and the condition of the human heart.

“Today, our world is sick, and because the world is sick, it can no longer provide us with the good things we need,” the Bishop said, giving the example of deforestation. When trees are cut down, people lose clean air and the natural environment is damaged. He connected these environmental problems with the effects of climate change experienced by communities today.

Bishop John also emphasized that the wounds of the world are closely connected to wounds within the human heart. Greed, anger, and pride can lead people to exploit creation, harm others, and contribute to conflict and war.

“When our hearts are filled with greed and anger, we begin to do things that destroy the world,” he said, encouraging the faithful to begin the work of caring for creation by transforming their own hearts.

‘Without God, We Cannot Achieve True Peace’

The Bishop stressed that such transformation cannot be achieved by human strength alone. People need God’s grace to overcome greed, anger, and other destructive attitudes.

“Without God, we cannot achieve true peace,” he said, reminding the faithful that cooperation with God’s grace is essential in the work of building peace and protecting creation.

Reflecting on the Gospel reading, Bishop John described humanity as tenants entrusted with God’s vineyard. Everything people possess—including the world, natural resources, wealth, and technology—ultimately belongs to God.

“We are tenants in this world, while God is the owner,” he explained, reminding the faithful of their responsibility to care for what has been entrusted to them and to offer back to God what belongs to Him.

Recognizing God in the Suffering

The Bishop further encouraged the faithful to recognize God in people who are suffering, particularly the poor and displaced. He urged them to respond with compassion and practical assistance to those in need.

Drawing inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast marks the end of the Season of Creation, Bishop John highlighted the saint’s deep love for God, humanity, and all creation. St. Francis is remembered for his simple life and his close relationship with nature, seeing all creatures as part of God’s creation and inviting them to praise their Creator.

Bishop John also encouraged young people to pray for peace and shared the Prayer of St. Francis as a spiritual guide for living as instruments of peace. He called on young people and families to take practical steps for the environment, including planting trees in their homes and communities.

A Reflection on Water

As part of the closing program, Diocese Youth Commission (DYC) youth leader Columban Hkasha Zau Htoi Aung invited participants to reflect on the importance of water, one of God’s gifts that is essential for human life. Participants were encouraged to appreciate, protect, and use water responsibly.

The Season of Creation activities in Myitkyina Diocese were organized from September 1 to October 4, in collaboration with the Diocese Youth Commission (DYC), Student Learning Resources Center (SLRC), and Justice and Peace Commission (JPC).

The annual Season of Creation is a time for Christians to renew their commitment to caring for creation and promoting ecological responsibility. In Myitkyina Diocese, this year’s activities focused on strengthening young people’s awareness of environmental protection, peace, and responsibility for the common home.

The closing celebration on October 4 brought the Season of Creation to an end with a message that caring for the environment begins with conversion of the human heart: healing ourselves, restoring our relationship with God and others, and taking responsibility for the world entrusted to humanity.

By RVA Lisu Service