The Diocesan Socio-Pastoral Staff Monthly Recollection was held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Diocesan Center in Pathein, with Fr. Charles, Parish Priest of Kabe Parish, serving as the preacher and leading the spiritual reflection for around 80 participants.

The recollection brought together staff from various diocesan offices, including KMSS Pathein, OSC Pathein, RVA Pwo Karen, AD GENTES Studio, Commission Office, Diocesan Curia Office, compound workers and drivers, and kitchen staff.

Following Jesus and Carrying the Cross

In his first spiritual talk, Fr. Charles reflected on the fundamental call of Christian discipleship.

“Jesus said, ‘Apart from me, you can do nothing.’ No matter how talented, capable, or gifted a person may be, without God, we cannot truly reach the ultimate purpose and destination of our lives,” he said.

Fr. Charles explained that following Jesus requires sacrifice and self-denial. “The ‘cup’ refers to accepting suffering, making sacrifices, and carrying the cross. To follow Jesus, we must deny ourselves, let go of our own desires, and be willing to carry our own crosses,” he said.

He reminded participants that life is a gift from God and called them to examine how they are giving their lives back to Him. “We should continually examine our lives and ask ourselves whether we are truly using the life God has given us in a way that pleases Him,” he said.

‘Do Not Lose Heart in Times of Suffering’

In his second talk, Fr. Charles offered words of encouragement for those facing difficulties.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” he quoted from Scripture. “Even in the midst of the sufferings, trials, and difficulties of life, we should not lose heart or become discouraged. Instead, we must place our trust in God.”

He reminded the staff that perseverance is essential to the Christian journey. “The one who perseveres to the end will be saved. Therefore, we need to remain faithful to God and continue to follow Him with steadfastness and perseverance until the end.”

Living with Love and Being Light

Fr. Charles also spoke about the call to love others, particularly those who are difficult to love.

“None of us is completely good or perfect. Yet God loves us despite our weaknesses and imperfections,” he said. “The Lord teaches us to love even those who hurt, hate, or persecute us.”

He emphasized that being a Christian requires more than belief. “Simply knowing Christ or believing in Him is not enough. More importantly, Christ must truly dwell in our hearts and become visible through the way we live our daily lives.”

He called on the staff to become the “light of the world” through their actions and example. “When we are able to love even those who hate us, we show that God’s love is truly alive and working within us,” he said.

A Day of Prayer, Reflection, and Fellowship

The program began with the Holy Rosary at 8:30 a.m., followed by the first spiritual talk at 9:00 a.m. and the second talk at 10:15 a.m. After the talks, participants were given time for a break, personal reflection, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The morning session concluded with the Celebration of the Eucharist at 11:15 a.m.

During the afternoon session, representatives from various offices took turns sharing their work-related activities and experiences. The RVA Pwo Karen team led this month’s sharing session, with Ms. Angela Pan Ei Phyu presenting an overview of the history of RVA (Radio Veritas Asia) and the activities, work, and ongoing programs of the RVA Pwo Karen team.

Following the presentation, two staff members whose birthdays fell in September were greeted and offered birthday blessings and good wishes. The September staff spiritual retreat program concluded successfully with the blessing of the priest.

The monthly recollection provided an opportunity for diocesan staff to deepen their relationship with God, renew their commitment to ministry, and strengthen the bonds of fellowship that unite them in their shared mission of service. As one participant reflected, “Journeying together in faith and mission”—the spirit of the day—was truly lived out in prayer, reflection, and mutual encouragement.

By RVA Pwo Karen Service