The Diocesan Centre in Kalaymyo came alive with prayer, song, and fraternal joy on August 29, 2026, as the Catholic community of Kalay Diocese gathered to celebrate the feast day of their beloved Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang.

The solemn occasion brought together clergy, religious, seminarians, and faithful in a heartfelt tribute to their shepherd and a reflection on the inspiring witness of St. Felix and St. Adauctus.

Holy Mass at Dawn: A Call to Exemplary Living

The celebration commenced with Holy Mass at 6:15 a.m., presided over by Bishop Felix himself, with eighteen priests concelebrating the Eucharistic liturgy. The congregation included the Little Way Sisters of St. Theresa, novices, aspirants, and seminarians from Assumption Intermediate Seminary, all gathered in prayerful communion.

In his homily, Bishop Felix drew inspiration from the lives of St. Felix and St. Adauctus. He observed that although historical records say little about St. Felix, his life and witness left a profound impression on those around him. St. Adauctus, in particular, was so deeply moved by the way St. Felix lived his faith that he desired to follow his example.

This, Bishop Felix emphasized, is a powerful challenge for priests, religious, seminarians, and all the faithful. Like St. Felix, they are called to live in such a way that their example may inspire others to draw closer to God and experience true peace.

“We are called to be exemplary to the faithful, as St. Felix was,” Bishop Felix declared, underscoring that this is the true meaning and purpose of celebrating the feast.

The Mass was enriched by the beautiful singing of the seminarians and novices. Their choir and the responsorial psalm contributed to the solemnity and joyful atmosphere of the celebration.

Heartfelt Greetings and Morning Fellowship

Following the Mass, the seminarians and novices expressed their greetings and good wishes to Bishop Felix through a special feast-day song, their voices filled with affection and reverence. The morning celebration concluded with a breakfast offered by the Diocese for all participants, fostering a spirit of warm fellowship among the gathered community.

Festive Luncheon: A Gathering of Gratitude

At 11:30 a.m., parish priests, religious priests and sisters, catechists, and distinguished guests gathered once again at the Diocesan Centre for a festive luncheon. Nearly 200 people attended the joyful gathering, which served as a testament to the deep affection the diocese holds for its bishop.

Before the meal, a short program was held to congratulate and wish Bishop Felix a blessed feast day. The program began with prayer, followed by a special greeting song performed beautifully by the postulants of the Little Way Sisters of St. Theresa.

Representatives from various parishes and communities presented gifts to Bishop Felix. Personal gifts were also offered as expressions of gratitude, affection, and prayerful support, reflecting the deep bond between the shepherd and his flock.

Bishop’s Words of Appreciation

In his words of appreciation, Bishop Felix thanked everyone for their prayers, greetings, and gifts. He encouraged those present to continue living for the good of others, following the example of St. Felix, whose life of faith continues to inspire generations.

Closing Prayer

The celebration concluded with a prayer led by Rev. Fr. Robert Kam Khaw Hau, one of the elderly priests of the Diocese. He prayed that God would continue to bless Bishop Felix, strengthen him in his ministry, and grant him wisdom and grace to guide the Diocese according to the will of God.

The prayer was followed by a festive luncheon attended by nearly 200 people, bringing the celebration to a close in an atmosphere of gratitude, joy, prayer, and fraternal communion.

The Feast Day celebration of Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang was not merely a day of festivity but a profound reminder of the call to holiness and exemplary living—a call that the Kalay Diocese continues to embrace under the guidance of their shepherd, inspired by the witness of the saints.

By RVA Tedim Chin Service