Hundreds of faithful gathered in Sitapu Parish, Myitkyina, on October 24, 2026, to celebrate a milestone that began with a single act of faith—the 25th anniversary of St. John Paul Community.

The Jubilee Mass, celebrated at 10:00 a.m., was presided over by parish priest Fr. Bosco Nlam Hkun Seng, with religious sisters and a large number of faithful filling the church with songs of gratitude and joy.

A Community Born from Humble Beginnings

The story of St. John Paul Community is one of small beginnings and unwavering faith. In the early days of Sitapu Parish, on July 18, 1999, the parish priest, Fr. Thomas Gum Rai Awng, appointed Catechist John Paul Gatneng Zau Hkun as the community leader.

He was welcomed into the homes of Paul Lamyik Sing Gyi and Mawun Ja Awng, where he began leading the faithful in prayer and fellowship. Later, on October 21, 2001, the name “John Paul” was officially given to the community during a meeting of the parish priest and catechists.

Today, St. John Paul Community is one of seven communities within Sitapu Parish. It has 144 Catholic households, with a population of more than 800 faithful—a living testament to the seeds of faith planted by those early pioneers.

Three Words for a Jubilee

At the beginning of his homily, Fr. Bosco reflected on the history of the community with deep gratitude.

“Looking back at the history of our parish and St. John Paul Community over the past 25 years, it may seem like a relatively short period,” he said. “We began as a small community. However, from the very beginning, we started with faith and persevered through prayer and hard work together. Therefore, today is a blessed and joyful occasion on which we must give thanks and praise to God for His mercy, love, and compassion, which have continually flowed into our lives.”

He then shared three key words for the Jubilee celebration: Thanksgiving, Forgiveness, and Unity.

Thanksgiving: Remembering Those Who Came Before

Speaking about thanksgiving, Fr. Bosco reminded the faithful of God’s constant protection and guidance over the past 25 years.

“We have now journeyed through 25 years. Throughout this time, our Heavenly Father has continually protected and guided us. We must therefore give thanks and praise to God for all His graces and blessings,” he said.

He also encouraged the community to remember with gratitude the elder brothers and sisters and parents in faith who devoted themselves and made sacrifices for the community in the past.

Forgiveness: The Courage to Say ‘I’m Sorry’

On the theme of forgiveness, Fr. Bosco offered words that touched many hearts.

“Trusting in the mercy, love, and compassion of our Heavenly Father, let us strive to love and forgive one another,” he said. “If we find it very difficult to say, ‘I’m sorry,’ let us take part in today’s Jubilee Mass and make an effort to say ‘I’m sorry’ to one another, both among the faithful and among those serving in the Church.”

He encouraged the community to pray for the grace of humility and to make every effort to become more humble—a message that resonated deeply in a world where pride so often divides.

Unity: Walking Together in Faith

Speaking about unity, Fr. Bosco called on the faithful to work hand in hand in the spirit of oneness with God.

“With the spirit of being one with God, let us work hand in hand and dedicate the graces and blessings that each of us has received from our Heavenly Father to the good of our parish and our ward,” he said. “Under the guiding principle of unity, let us continue moving forward together, supporting one another.”

A Family That Prays Together

Concluding his homily, Fr. Bosco emphasized the importance of family prayer.

“Let every family pray together at home. Praying together helps keep us united always,” he said. “Each parent has the responsibility to teach and guide their children and family members to know more about the teachings of Jesus, to respect one another, and to grow into people who can walk through life in faith.”

As the Jubilee Mass concluded, the faithful of St. John Paul Community returned with hearts full of gratitude and renewed commitment. For 25 years, this small community has been a place where faith is nurtured, where children learn the stories of Jesus, and where families find strength in one another.

By RVA Kachin Jinghpaw Service